An image from the Christmas Eve service has given inspiration for the "prayer and fasting" emphasis for the first three weeks of January. Perhaps you were there as youngest reader of Christmas scripture had some difficulty reading to the packed house. Pastor Trevor came to her side, knelt beside her, and whispered the words as she needed help. May the Lord whisper His truth and help in our ears, as we seek His holy nearness in this time of prayer. (Prayer booklets are available at the Welcome Center for this special time.)

The Christmas story, according to Luke 2, tells how Joseph and Mary were led to Bethlehem and while there, gave birth. The shepherds went to the birth site because of the announcement given by the angels. Matthew 2, The Magi were led to Bethlehem as they followed a star. In each instance, they were led in a different way. Matthew 1:21 says He came to save the people from their sins. The journey to Bethlehem has great rewards.

The heart of Pastor Grinder was shared with us Sunday. He has a yearning that we would be a people of deep prayer, and out of that experience, that we would "be active in sharing your faith" (Philemon 6). A song of this season says it rather well; "Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born". Pray for an opportunity to "tell".

Christmas; The season of hope! Hope for mankind, in that God responds to the need of mankind by sending a child, not a committee. There is such wonderment as we look into the face and countenance of a child. Our children, along with school children nearby hoped to raise enough money to provide safe water for a well in a community in Haiti. Instead, they raised enough money to provide five wells. May hope make a difference in your prayers and efforts this Christmas season.

There is a tendency in our land, to shift our attention from Thanksgiving to Christmas immediately following our day of Thanks. Commercialism hopes we will follow that leading. (Consider swimming against that flow.) It is so important to our Christian walk to be "grateful" people. Revelation 11:17-18 speaks of those who give "thanks" with "reverence", which some have called; "an attitude of gratitude". Consider if you will; making a gratitude list rather than a Christmas wish list in these days leading to Christmas. Pray with thanksgiving!

Matthew chapter five uses two identical phrases to share a thought; "you have heard that it was said" followed by "eye for an eye" and "hate your enemies", in verses 38 and 43. Our society agrees with those statements. In each place those words are followed with, "But I tell you". Jesus has some radical thoughts about such things. He said in verse (44), "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (45) that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." We are to have enemies on our prayer list. We are not to have a condemnation list. If we obey, we will be considered sons-daughters of the Father. Who is on your prayer list?

Jesus asked his disciples to "go wait" as he ascended into heaven. They construed that to mean pray-n-wait for the Holy Spirit. They did. The church continued to pray-n-wait, as we find in Acts 12, the believers were in pray-n-wait mode. Peter had been arrested and was imprisoned. While the were in pray-n-wait mode, Peter was released from prison, not by the warden, and he came to prayer meeting. Rhoda answered the door and heard Peter's voice but did not admit him. Why? Perhaps because the church was not finished praying for him. So how could he possibly be at the door? May God surprise you in prayer.

In a recent meeting, a question was posed to those in attendance. "What are you praying about and who are you praying for?" My heartfelt response was; "two prodigal grandchildren in need of Christ's transforming power. How would you answer that question?

The Thanksgiving Season is here and is one season that believers can celebrate all year. Praise and thanksgiving are joined like peanut butter and jelly. Revelation 4:8 speaks of praise for God being lifted by creatures with eyes covering 360 degrees. With all they could see happening around them; good, evil, beauty, ugliness, delight, and despair, they offered praise! May we have a heart to praise, no matter the circumstances or what we see.

I learned at this writing that "Friendship Days", scheduled the 4th & 5th of November has been postponed or canceled. May it be a reminder to us, to pray for encounters with others that are un-churched. Bringing a friend to hear about the love and forgiveness of Jesus, is appropriate any Sunday. Consider having a "friendship day", anyway.

"Trunk or Treat" occurs Oct. 29th, as an outreach to the children and parents of our community. Please pray the Lord will use this time to draw others to Himself and the blessed hope we have have in Him.
Please pray for "Friendship Days" scheduled for Nov. 5th & 6th. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you!

As Pastor Grinder preached Sunday about "others", my thoughts were on the lyrics of a song: "Lord I want to be a witness, you can take what's wrong and make it right. Daystar shine down om me, let your love shine through me...." How our world needs to see the light of Christ shinning through the people of the church, that the unsaved might be drawn to His love and forgiveness. Pray for your opportunities with others as His witness.

October is an eventful month with many scheduled ministries. A man once said he had so many things to do, that he had to take the time to pray. Jesus, on more than one occasion, spent a night in prayer. Some would say that physical rest is more vital to our well being. But there is a rest that science knows nothing about, that can only be entered through prayer. Enter that rest, by praying for the events ahead.

I just read the "by faith" chapter, Hebrews 11. By faith, God's people crossed the Red Sea; and marched around the fortified city of Jericho until the walls collapsed. The escape of death and the victory over their enemies, came by faith! Continue to pray and see what the Lord will do. (Please read Hebrews 11.)

The month of October looks like the "Church for all ages" by the event calender. There are; Women's ministry nights, 7th, 15th, and 16th. Men's ministry 15th, and children's ministry event 22nd, and 29th, along with a Worship Concert the 16th. If these events are to be meaningful, they will need the precious presence and power of our Lord. Please pray for the Holy nearness of our Lord.

The Apostle Paul prayed for the church (Ephesians 1:16) to "know the Lord better". In 2 Thess. 3:1 He asked the Church to pray that others (the unsaved) would hear and respond to the message of the gospel, and that it might spread. May the message spread through us.

Two upcoming important dates in the church; Men's District Retreat (speaker; Jeff Austin) September 16-18 and our Faith Promise Renewal Weekend, (speakers; Joshua and Amber Williams) September 17-18. Please pray for the Spirit of the Lord upon these gatherings. I am mindful of Evangelist Bob Benson who said, "Listen, God has something to say to you."
Pray that men might return from retreat with hearts aflame, to lead their families, as they freshly heard from God. Pray for our faith promise weekend that we might freshly hear from the Lord.

September 1, marks; school's back in session. While parents celebrate, young people hissss! But this is an opportunity to pray for teachers, students and parents as young people adjust to new teachers, new friends and new curriculum. These are difficult times for some. But pray for teachers who were asked to teach new subjects, along with putting new faces and names together. Please pray for parents who must be sensitive to their child and helping them adapt to the "newness".
Psalms 46:1 tells us God is an ever present help. Praise the Lord!

Please pray for the evangelism outreach in Times Square as the gospel is presented some 18 times a day to approximately 1.5 million people.
Please pray for the opportunities the Lord will give us in sharing our faith with those the Lord puts in our path.

Colossians chapter four urges believers to pray for ministry opportunities in preaching or teaching or sharing the gospel. In my simplistic mind I hear; make the most out of every situation by praying for the opportunities that as they arrive. Please pray for the Life Group Leaders Retreat Aug. 26-28, and the Concert in the Park Aug. 28th. May the Spirit of Christ be evident as they gather in His name.

Pastor Grinder devoted some of his sabbatical time listening to the Lord. He asked Sunday that we seek growth in prayer during this year as well as seeking to lead at least one person to salvation. Please begin praying for the church for these obvious leading's of the Lord through our pastor.

Upcoming events to pray for; Junior High Raft Trip and the Freedom Riders (Motor-cycle group) Tahoe Trip, both Aug. 18-21. Please pray for Pastor Shawn and the Team as they minister to our early teens. Please pray for Pastor Larry and Cindy as they minister to the cyclist in God's beautiful setting, Lake Tahoe. May the Spirit of the Lord speak clearly in these gatherings. Prayer can make the difference!

Junior High District Camp begins Aug. 1st and concludes Aug. 5th; followed by Children's Camp (grades 3-6) Aug. 12-14. Please pray for both salvation and spiritual growth in the lives of the children and teens. Pray for the Chaplin (special speaker) for the camp. May the Holy Spirit rule the campus as our young people gather in His name.

August 1-5 Pastor Shawn and the "teen team" will embark upon the District Camp experience with our teens. Statistics tell us that 64% of believers make a decision of faith by the age of 18. Please pray for all the teens on that campus. Pray for the "teen team" and the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit as they meet. May the Lord accomplish a deep work in the lives of the youth. Prayer will make a difference.

I don,t pretend to know why we have the tendencies we seem to have, in regard to hearing fresh and new from God, we seem to need to get out of our comfort zone or perhaps get into a new setting. A number of people are doing just that July 11-30 by going to minister to others on an Alaska work an witness team. Please pray for the Team to hear fresh and new from God. Please pray for their ministry to to transform the lives of others. May the Holy Spirit lead, guide and direct their efforts to His glory.

After reading the Missionary book "Vistas" (which is available at the Missionary booth) my word association of the country Columbia will never be the same. Please consider checking out the book and reading at least from page 66 to the end. God is doing spectacular things through His church in that nation. Columbia is not just about coffee and drug cartels!

1 Kings 7:15-21 tells of pillars being made for the Temple that supported nothing. A pastor, Mike Hull, did some research into the translation of the names given to the pillars. He found that they could be translated to mean "Able" and "Willing". Those pillars were erected for the people to remember, as they entered the Temple, that God is both willing and able to meet their needs. As we approach the throne of grace in prayer, please remember that God is both able and willing.

The apostle Paul, in most of his letters to the church, included a plea for prayer. He knew the importance of prayer in his life and the ministry of the gospel. Please pray for the Ginder family as they embark upon their "first ever" sabbatical July 4- Aug. 1. May they experience the the holy nearness and refreshment of our Lord.

Please pray for Pastor Gowland and his team as they gather for the Primetime Ministry Camp-out July 7-10. May the Lord be glorified as His people gather.

Acts 16:22-25 describes how Paul and Silas were arrested and severely beaten. Their response was; Prayer and Praise! When the violent earthquake came, they were ready to respond in love to the very guards who beat them.
Please pray for; Blossom Hills summer session, Haiti Work and Witness Team and Childrens Ministry Sports Camp.

Romans 15:30 calls for prayer in a way that involves personal involvement. The scripture says: "join me in my struggle by praying to God for me." By praying for another, we joined them in their personal involvements and their efforts. I'm certain there are truths about prayer that we don't fully understand, at least I don't! I am sure that Pastor Shawn would like us to join him, as the teens embark upon their raft trip on the Umpqua River 16-19. And we can join the the Haiti Work and Witness trip without paying for the air fare. We can join others in their struggles and their joys through prayer.

Upon reading Romans 10:21 I was led to Isaiah 65:2 which describes how God seeks after His people. Verse #2 reals an image of God with outstretched hands extended to a people who made up their own places of worship and rejected the ways of the Lord. Verse #2 says: "all day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people......." This image was etched on my mind. Now I have no idea if this meant a day, or a thousand years, for one is like the other to God. But it does mean, God stands with hands outstretched to people who are rebellious.
My thought was, am I so inclined?

As I looked to the Word today, Romans 5:1-6 stood out for my journey for the day. During Lorretta's illness there were several reversals to her health from day to day. While I had no inclination as to what God was going to do, I persisted in prayer. Romans 5:6 was there for me; "at just the right time, when we were powerless......" God acted in our behalf. Our Lord works through the circumstances, "at just the right time"! I am so grateful to the Lord for His help, at just the right time!

I believe some parents are in wonderment as they think about their son or daughter receiving their high school diploma in just a few days. Please pray for their choices as they embark upon decisions so important to their direction for life. Please pray for Pastor Shawn, as the teen group prepares for the Senior High raft trip on the Umpqua River June 16-19. Likely, they will have a blast, as they say, but Pastor Shawn has a desire for them to have a spiritual experience that will last a lifetime.
May their time be especially blessed by God's holy nearness.

Pastor Shaun is gearing up for high school seniors graduation. I'm sure he and the seniors would appreciate our prayers for upcoming life choices ahead. Please pray that they may have direction regarding college, career or employment opportunities. Pray that they may seek the Lord regarding His plan for their lives.

Please be in prayer for May 19-21 as our church leaders and elected representatives gather for District Assembly, with over 60 churches, as they celebrate the goodness of the Lord and participate in accountability as unto the Lord. Pray for encouragement and inspiration as the Word of God is preached to the assembly. May the churches hear from the one who says; "I will build my church.........." May the name of the Lord be glorified in the assembly.

Resurrection Sunday, The Sanctuary Choir and their presentation on Good Friday and The Gospelaires and their Easter Cantata presented several times, ministered to many souls in this holy season. Please pray for the message to reap a harvest of souls. Thanks to all who invited friends and neighbors and told of the hope you have found in the resurrected Savior.

Please pray for District Assembly May 19-21.

I am thinking about all those who have been thoroughly involved in service throughout this Easter Season and attended every event. An now it is time to return the Easter stuff, to the archives until next year? You may sorely need refreshment from your service, but I find the Easter message to be; Our hope and refreshment. I wanted to shout with the Gospelaires last night; "Oh what a Savior, Oh halelujah......."

A song writer said it for me when she wrote; "Victory All The Time" Lila N. Morris
"They who know the Savior shall in Him be strong, Mighty in the conflict of the right 'gainst wrong. This the blessed promise given in God's Word, Doing wondrous exploits, they who know the Lord.
(Refrain) Victory, victory blessed blood bought victory. Victory, victory vict'ry all the time. As Jehovah liveth, Strength devine He giveth Unto those who know Him-vict'ry all the time. "

Don't be tempted to put Easter away. Keep Easter before you all year long.

Acts chapter four speaks of the New Testament Church shortly following the ascension of Jesus. The followers of Jesus came under close scrutiny of the Jewish priests for their teaching and healing ministry in the name of Jesus. Verse #13 the priests "took note" that the disciples "had been with Jesus". (In other words; the influence of Jesus was upon their lives and it was apparent. (To be accused of that would be a privilege.) Verses 29-31 tells us they prayed for boldness, and the Holy Spirit filled them to speak the word of God "boldly".

Easter week is so full and so important, prayer is vital to what we do. Pray that the Holy Spirit will work in and through those that extend invitations to the unchurched people that we know.

We are at this writing in "Life Transformation Week" with Jeremiah Bolich as our special speaker. The church, generally speaking, has for thousands of years prepared the church body, at this time, for what has come to be known as Easter week, the 17th through the 24th. We in the church commonly refer to Easter as Resurrection Sunday. I like the broader thought of including the entire week and the events leading up to Resurrection Day. We have a running start on Easter with this week, designed to draw us nearer to the likeness of Christ.
The week of April 17-24, is in my opinion the most important celebration in the Church. Jesus revealed His power over sin and the grave. Depraved men tried to destroy the efforts of God to redeem the lost but failed miserably. May we pray for those that we know who are unsaved, as this is a time when people outside the church think of the Son of God and the cross.

As we celebrate the arrival of Rev. Bolich, our evangelist, my thoughts go to Moses and his turning aside to inquire about the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-7). I think also of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-7) as he climbed the fig tree to see Jesus. If they had not spent some effort and took some time to inquire, they would have missed an opportunity and encounter with the Holy God. May we have such an experience this week as we attend the special services for our personal encounter with our Lord.

John the ninth chapter tells of the healing of a man born blind at birth. The leaders of the church in that day, practiced waiting for the Messiah by leaving an unoccupied chair at their table in anticipation of the arrival of the awaited Messiah. Yet the leaders made it known that if anyone proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, they would be expelled from the church. It appears that the church leaders did not want a Messiah in that they did not want change in their life nor did they want change in the church. They had become so conformed to way things were that they were unwilling to receive the the very thing they were hoping for; the Savior sent by God to bring transformation to their lives and to their nation.
The Naz. is planning for and praying for; "Life Transformation Week" April 2-6. It is a time to focus upon personal growth as individuals and as a body of believers. Please pray for fresh grace for your life and mine.

Life Transformation Week is Coming!!

We have been hearing that "Jeremiah Bolich Is Coming"! It sounds to me like a movie title. As I have reflected upon his coming and invested time in prayer, I have concluded it's not about Jeremiah Bolich as much as it is about us! While the Lord is using Jeremiah's ministry, it is about our response to the Lord and the truth as we receive it. A friend in the ministry use to call me on Saturday evening and say these words of encouragement regarding Sunday. "Make sure you bring your cup right side up, ready to receive an outpouring from the Lord!" Some months had passed and he changed the words to these; "Don't bring a cup, bring a bucket!" Matt. 9:29 Jesus said' "According to your faith will it be done to you." Why not expect God to do something great in our lives and in the church. "Bring a bucket!"

April 2-6 Jeremiah Bolich will be coming to serve our church body, in a time for us, which brings to mind the song: "Somewhere" which repeats the words; "There's a time for us". This time has been called, "Life Transformation Week". There is something we can do before April. Matthew 20:32 tells of the response of Jesus to two blind men calling out to Him on the road for the obvious reason. But He asked them, "What do you want me to do for you?" We can respond as though Jesus asked; "What do you want me to do for you?" We can pray and open our life to the Lord, that He might do the obvious, as He looks at our life's needs.
"A Time For Us", don't miss it!

March 12-13 is Faith Promise Weekend with Mission Directors Scott and Rhonda Tustin of Northern Europe. Missions are so much a part of the Church of Jesus Christ, in the making of disciples of all nations as commanded by Jesus of His church. The church is to be reaching out to our brothers and sisters locally and globally, both across the street and across the Atlantic. Disciples are to be made in all nations says Matthew 28:19. Our response to God is to be acted upon by faith. Hebrews 10:38 "..my righteous ones will live by faith." Hebrews 11:6 "...without faith it is impossible to please God,..." Please pray for this inspiring weekend, that by faith, we may please the Lord.

March 12th our District Church children will be gathering at Newport Nazarene for District Bible Quiz finals. These children memorize long sections of the Bible. The purpose is for our young children to know the Word of God so the Word will live in them. Please pray that they will come to understand the meaning of the truth and not merely the text and where it may be found. Pray for safe travel for all the children of our District and that the light of God's Word would shine.

Ministry Quote of the Day #1

“Each of us has a mission in life…We seldom fully realize that we are sent to fulfill God-given tasks. We act as if we were simply dropped down in creation and have to entertain ourselves until we die. But we were sent into the world by God, just as Jesus was.”: - Henri J. M. Nouwen

Evangelism Quote of the Day #4

“It is only by a total death to self we can be lost in God.” --Jeanne Guyon

Evangelism Quote of the Day #3

“Knowing that we are fulfilling God's purpose is the only thing that really gives rest to the restless human heart.” --Chuck Colson

Please read Galatians 5:16-25. Verse #16 "Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.", puts a positive-negative spin upon the life lived by the influence of the Holy Spirit. But verses 22-25 speak of the positive influence the Holy Spirit can have upon our lives. The fruit of our lives are to yield love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
I did a little self examination after considering the thought; "How often do I walk in mediocrity? Meaning, are my thoughts and and inclinations offered to the the Spirit before being shared with others or moved into action? I find we can be infiltrated by the world and it's offerings, like; "What I said was the truth!" While that sounds right, the truth can be said in damaging and slanderous ways. And the truth should not always be said. Our Lord looks to the intentions of our heart and the Holy Spirit can examine them if we give Him the opportunity.
A young man met with me after the passing of his mother, who was such a faithful servant of the Lord, and shared this thought with me. He said, "I think of my mother every day. She taught all of our siblings to 'Take the high road'". In the issues of life especially with others, choose the high road, choose love and forgiveness and kindness. They were to choose the road less traveled, and so am I.

Evangelism Quote of the Day #2

“Lord, shine in me and so be in me that all with whom I come in contact may know thy presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus.”
– John Henry Newman

Evangelism Quote of the Day #1

“The decision to grow always involves a choice between risk and comfort. This means that to be a follower of Jesus you must renounce comfort as the ultimate value of your life.” -- John Ortberg

Discipleship Quote of the Day #4

“ We must assess our thoughts and beliefs and reckon whether they are moving us closer to conformity to Christ or farther away from it.” --John Ortberg

Discipleship Quote of the Day #3

“Let this be thy whole endeavor, this thy prayer, this thy desire,--that thou mayest be stripped of all selfishness, and with entire simplicity follow Jesus only.” -Thomas à Kempis

Discipleship Quote of the Day #2

“Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.”
--Dietrich Bonhoeffer

After reading Luke 9, I had a light bulb moment through verses 1-3. (Jesus, called His disciples and then empowered them with authority to share the gospel.) He told them to "take nothing for the journey" and then spelled out the no, nos. But they were to take faith and His authority. I rendered this to mean; take nothing with you but FAITH. They were to trust that God would provide all they needed.

I recall a faith lesson as a fledgling believer. Lorretta experienced a heart flutter which took us to one of the best cardiac units on the west coast, said a nation wide publication. Tests in the hospital indicated she had a heart blockage and her heart was out of rhythm. Her room mate age 73, was facing 5 by pass surgery. The room mates sister from southern Cal. had arrived and the family was escorted to a consultation room. Soon they returned and I stepped out in the hall to find the young sister against the corridor wall looking quite feint. I asked if she need a doctor and she said no. She explained that the surgeon had just told the family her loved one faced an 80% chance of death during or following the surgery.

I was startled at the words that I said to the sister and the authority with which I said them. "God is not impressed with man's statistics or percentages. Your sister is going to be fine, because we are going to pray." Upon saying those words,
I felt a little feint myself. Who am I to speak for God! The surgery was successful and the woman was out of ICU within hours eating hospital toast. The doctors were amazed at her progress.

Months later we received a letter from the sister saying she had been a believer for many years and had fallen away from her faith. But God had used the circumstances to restore her faith and she was serving her Lord once again.

Lorretta's heart returned to rhythm and the doctor couldn't explain how the blockage was gone without causing a blockage elsewhere. We concluded the "journey" to the hospital was not just about us, though the Lord used it in our own growth process. For your journey, take nothing but faith with you.

Discipleship Quote of the Day #1

“A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.” – Martin Luther

Stewardship Quote of the Day #3

“If one first gives himself to the Lord, all other giving is easy.” – Robert E. Harris

Stewardship Quote of the Day #2

Stewardship Quote of the Day #2
“There is that which we hold in our hands, of possessions and influence, which are to be no longer held as unto ourselves or so to revolve around ourselves; they are to be melted into our life’s devotement unto Jesus Christ.”
- P. F. Breese

Ephesians 6:18 urges that we pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers, ...... for all the saints. Something that most church leaders consistently ask for in their ministry, is prayer! Missionaries, Pastors, and teachers alike ask others to pray. They have learned the difference between doing their service to the Lord in their own strength, or with the power of the Holy Spirit. Prayer makes the difference.
There are some service opportunities this month where prayer could make the difference. Please pray for the Junior High Winter Retreat at Hyatt Lake February 18-20. Pray for life transformations of our youth, as the Word of God goes forth. Please pray for the Children's Bible Quiz Meet, February 26. Pray the Word of God will reach the hearts of the children who attend. Please pray for your Sunday School teacher and Lay Pastor of your small group.

Stewardship Quote of the Day #1

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
- Winston Churchill

Prayer Quote of the Day #5

"Prayer is not something we think up to get God's attention or enlist his favor. Prayer is answering speech. The first word is God's word. Prayer is a human word and is never the first word, never the primary word, never the initiating and shaping word simply because we are never first; never primary…the first word everywhere and always is God's word to us, not ours to him." Eugene Peterson - Working the Angles

Prayer Quote of the Day #4

“Prayer is surrender--surrender to the will of God and cooperation with that will. If I throw out a boathook from the boat and catch hold of the shore and pull, do I pull the shore to me, or do I pull myself to the shore? Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God.” E. Stanley Jones

Prayer Quote of the Day #3

“The central significance of prayer is not in the things that happen as a result, but in the deepening intimacy and unhurried communion with God at His central throne of control in order to discover a ‘sense of God's need in order to call on God's help to meet that need’" E.M. Bounds

Prayer Quote for the Day #2

“You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.” John Bunyon

Pastor Grinders' message on prayer was spot on Sunday. My reading this morning from Mark 14:32-42 spoke to my heart of the value of prayer as seen in the life of Jesus. Jesus was facing the cross and the betrayal of one of His own disciples. His response to this was, to go to Gethsemane and pray. He asked his disciples to watch and pray as he went a short distance beyond them to pray alone. He told them of his overwhelming sorrow. He prayed, about an hour and returned to the disciples finding them asleep, not watchful in prayer. His words in verse #38 stood out to me. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak."
It seems to me what the body desires, is not always what is best for the Spirit. In this case, slumber instead of prayer. Prayer is the source of spiritual resistance to temptation. Jesus prayed three times about the cross and what he was about to face. The third time he returned from the place of prayer, I find resolve in these words from verse #38; "Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!" His prayer originally was that he would not have to drink the cup of death. But after praying the third time he went out to meet his betrayer and drink the cup of death. Prayer is not only the source of spiritual resistance to temptation, but also the strength and resolve we can find in meeting with the Lord to know, and face, the issues that are not what we would prefer to face in life's hard places.
My thought for the morning was; as I arise in the morning to face my day do I approach the events ahead in spiritual strength and resolve or weakness?

Prayer Quote for the Day

“I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.” Abraham Lincoln.

The beginning of Mark chapter 8 Jesus expresses His compassion for the people who had been with Him for three days without food. He asked the disciples what they had to feed them. He used what they had, to satisfy their need. Mark 8:27-29 He asked them "Who do people say that I am" followed by the personal question, "But what about you?", "Who do you say that I am?". I would like to combine the two thoughts, in that I believe that Jesus cares deeply for our physical and spiritual provision. In Mark 8:3 Jesus was aware of the distance they had traveled to be with Him. He knew their journey individually. Jesus has a desire to nurture us both physically and spiritually. Have you embarked upon Journey 2011? Have you picked up your copy of Journey 2011? Our Lord has a desire to nurture our spiritual lives on this journey called life.

Please read Mark 2:1-5. Please note the reaction of Jesus to the litter bearers as they brought the paralyzed man to the "packed house" that reminds me of the Inn in Bethlehem, with no room! But the litter carriers were undaunted the full house with no window room as well. They ascended to the roof of the home with the litter in hand and commenced to dig a hole in the roof. (I'm sure the owner of the home was blessed by their action.) Perhaps the litter bearers were urged on by the idea that if they got the man to Jesus, they believed they wouldn't have to carry him home. Jesus took note of their faith. They believed that all was required of them was to get the man into the presence of the Lord. They enlarged the hole and lowered the man. Jesus responded to the faith of the carriers. Then surprisingly he said; "your sins are forgiven you." Do you think the sins of our lives can cause paralysis? Getting people to Jesus can free them from the paralysis of sin and enable them to walk in freedom. May we be useful in bringing others to the healer of paralysis.

Welcome to Journey 2011

Yes, the blog site will continue as; "Journey 2011", and thank you so very much for participating in 52 weeks of prayer. I have been told how prayer together in family units has brought families and couples closer to Christ and to one another. To God be the glory! The impact of prayer will not be fully known, this side of heaven. But we do receive answers in the here and now and they are encouraging.

I find the Journey booklet to be filled with vital information on prayer throughout its pages and I encourage you to pick up a copy at the welcome center and begin your Journey. May I call your attention to the the first section of the Prayer and Praise part of the booklet as it speaks of four emphasis points which have not changed from the focus of the 52 Weeks of prayer. Please note that we are to pray for; 1. your own personal relationship with Christ, 2. your family and church, 3. nation and world 4. for specific individuals for salvation and opportunities to share the gospel daily.

Please acquaint yourself with the booklet and then engage as the the Lord will lead you on your Journey and may the Lord bless and encourage you as we seek to grow in His likeness.