|
Bring
Any Request to God
|
Bring
any request you have to God.
|
No
request is too large; none too small or insignificant.
|
How
often we limit God by not bringing to God everything we want and need.
|
Do we need
help getting our balance? Getting through the day?
|
Do we
need help in a particular relationship? With a particular character defect?
Attaining a character asset?
|
Do we
need help making progress on a particular task that is challenging us? Do we need
help with a feeling? Do we want to change a self-defeating belief that has
been challenging us? Do we need information, an insight? Support? A friend?
|
Is
there something in God's Universe that would really bring us joy?
|
We can
ask for it. We can ask God for whatever we want. Put the request in God's
hands, trusting it has been heard, and then let it go. Leave the decision to
God.
|
Asking
for what we want and need is taking care of ourselves. Trust that God to whom
we have turned over our life and will really does care about us and about
what we want and need.
|
Today,
I will ask my God for what I want and need. I will not demand - I will ask.
Then I will let go.
|
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Friday, January 6, 2012
Bring Any Request to God
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Where Does Your Faith Lie
By Tanya James
If you have been keeping up with current events, you know that the story told by the media is very bleak. Unemployment numbers are at an all time high, crime is on the rise, marital relationships are deteriorating, the financial institutions and auto companies are failing, and life threatening diseases are killing millions of people...
One could find themselves depressed, panicky, stressed and overwhelmed if they allowed these reports to rule their lives. And what’s unfortunate is that the church sometimes seems to be just as scared right now as the world. Which brings me to the question of where or in whom does your faith lay?
If your faith is built on worldly institutions – than yes, you should be running to the hills fearing for your life. But if you have built your faith in God than your head should still be hung high as you confidently go through each day knowing God is in control.
Now I am not foolish enough to think that we won’t sometimes get discouraged and that worry may not creep up and rear its ugly head – but when those times come – we must seek God maybe like we have never done before to get through those times. God knows that our faith will sometimes be shaken up...He just wants you to take that first baby step...
“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
Have you seen the size of a mustard seed? It’s super tiny! So don’t throw in the towel because you can’t seem to muster up an overwhelming amount of faith...walk in the little bit you may have...and as you continue to seek God’s face and direction – your faith will continue to grow.
It’s just like a flower, you have to water it and nurture it in order to cultivate it. And there is no better time than the present to start (or continue) that process. Do it and watch God honor your commitment.
Scripture Of The Day: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
If you have been keeping up with current events, you know that the story told by the media is very bleak. Unemployment numbers are at an all time high, crime is on the rise, marital relationships are deteriorating, the financial institutions and auto companies are failing, and life threatening diseases are killing millions of people...
One could find themselves depressed, panicky, stressed and overwhelmed if they allowed these reports to rule their lives. And what’s unfortunate is that the church sometimes seems to be just as scared right now as the world. Which brings me to the question of where or in whom does your faith lay?
If your faith is built on worldly institutions – than yes, you should be running to the hills fearing for your life. But if you have built your faith in God than your head should still be hung high as you confidently go through each day knowing God is in control.
Now I am not foolish enough to think that we won’t sometimes get discouraged and that worry may not creep up and rear its ugly head – but when those times come – we must seek God maybe like we have never done before to get through those times. God knows that our faith will sometimes be shaken up...He just wants you to take that first baby step...
“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
Have you seen the size of a mustard seed? It’s super tiny! So don’t throw in the towel because you can’t seem to muster up an overwhelming amount of faith...walk in the little bit you may have...and as you continue to seek God’s face and direction – your faith will continue to grow.
It’s just like a flower, you have to water it and nurture it in order to cultivate it. And there is no better time than the present to start (or continue) that process. Do it and watch God honor your commitment.
Scripture Of The Day: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Is Your Appreciation Of The Cross Seasonal?
By Tanya James
There was a time when I was naïve enough to believe that every time I saw someone with a cross on their neck, that they were a Christian. For me, it was a symbol that reminded me of the incredible sacrifice that God made for each and everyone of us when He gave His only begotten son to die on the cross so that we may be saved.
However it took some time for me to learn that for some, wearing a cross was just another accessory to their outfit. It had no meaning and it didn’t symbolize anything of importance to them. It was simply another object in their jewelry boxes that they occasionally pulled out.
If truth be told, many of us are the same way … the cross is something we just “occasionally” think about. For some, the ONLY time we think about it is March or April when Easter Sunday rolls around.
This year like every other year, the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection will be told. Many churches will display crosses at their entrances as a reminder of the season. But what happens when the “holiday” has passed? Why does the cross seem to lose its value? Why is it in most cases, we only hear about that amazing sacrifice God made once a year? Has it simply become a yearly sermon topic?
It’s my belief that God sacrificing His only begotten son is so amazing and loving that we should constantly be giving Him praise for it. Who else do you know willing to bestow such a gift of life? I know as a mother, I often hold my daughter in my arms and think to myself, “I could never have done it.” I find it hard, even impossible to consider sacrificing my child even for someone that has always been kind, and gentle and loving towards me. Yet God did it for a people that were sinful, prideful, even conniving … a people that often don’t even appreciate His sacrifice.
I encourage you to change that occasional mindset concerning the cross… instead regularly mediate on the magnitude of what it really represents. Make it your motivation to be a better person, a better Christian. Share God’s self-less act with others that may not know how awesome the God you serve really is.
Let’s go a step further, the next time God asks you to sacrifice something … your time, your money, your talents … don’t even think about complaining or saying no. Remember that no sacrifice He asks of you could come close to comparing to the ultimate sacrifice that He already made for you and for me.
And no you don’t have to run out and buy a cross to wear around your neck … if the cross is in your heart, it will show through your words and actions making you a better representation of the Christ we love and serve.
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
There was a time when I was naïve enough to believe that every time I saw someone with a cross on their neck, that they were a Christian. For me, it was a symbol that reminded me of the incredible sacrifice that God made for each and everyone of us when He gave His only begotten son to die on the cross so that we may be saved.
However it took some time for me to learn that for some, wearing a cross was just another accessory to their outfit. It had no meaning and it didn’t symbolize anything of importance to them. It was simply another object in their jewelry boxes that they occasionally pulled out.
If truth be told, many of us are the same way … the cross is something we just “occasionally” think about. For some, the ONLY time we think about it is March or April when Easter Sunday rolls around.
This year like every other year, the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection will be told. Many churches will display crosses at their entrances as a reminder of the season. But what happens when the “holiday” has passed? Why does the cross seem to lose its value? Why is it in most cases, we only hear about that amazing sacrifice God made once a year? Has it simply become a yearly sermon topic?
It’s my belief that God sacrificing His only begotten son is so amazing and loving that we should constantly be giving Him praise for it. Who else do you know willing to bestow such a gift of life? I know as a mother, I often hold my daughter in my arms and think to myself, “I could never have done it.” I find it hard, even impossible to consider sacrificing my child even for someone that has always been kind, and gentle and loving towards me. Yet God did it for a people that were sinful, prideful, even conniving … a people that often don’t even appreciate His sacrifice.
I encourage you to change that occasional mindset concerning the cross… instead regularly mediate on the magnitude of what it really represents. Make it your motivation to be a better person, a better Christian. Share God’s self-less act with others that may not know how awesome the God you serve really is.
Let’s go a step further, the next time God asks you to sacrifice something … your time, your money, your talents … don’t even think about complaining or saying no. Remember that no sacrifice He asks of you could come close to comparing to the ultimate sacrifice that He already made for you and for me.
And no you don’t have to run out and buy a cross to wear around your neck … if the cross is in your heart, it will show through your words and actions making you a better representation of the Christ we love and serve.
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Constrained
Robin May
Recently I found myself humming an old, but familiar song. I’m sure you’ll remember it:
“I am persuaded; Lord to love you; I have been changed to bless Your Name; I am constrained, by this great gospel, Forever to worship Thee…”.
As I eventually began to sing the song out loud (I refuse to accept that singing is not one of my gifts), I couldn’t help but think about the words. “I am constrained by this great gospel.” That line surely isn’t popular in this new decade.
Think about it. Words like…
Sacrifice. Self Control.
Submission to a higher authority.
Saying ‘no’ when everything and everyone else says yes.
…in the culture that we live in, these virtues are not only unpopular, they are almost obsolete. As a matter of fact, someone living their life by a moral compass is often criticized and laughed at by people in their social circle.
Let me give you an example. Have you heard of the popular pop singing group the “Jonas Brothers?” Although I am not completely familiar with their music, I remember hearing that these young men had committed themselves to staying abstinent until marriage. Whether or not they are sticking to their commitment is irrelevant.
What is interesting to me is the fact that these young men were the ongoing fodder for many comedians for quite a while. As a matter of fact, a popular comedian went so far as to suggest that these young men were impotent because “why else would someone wait until marriage to have sex?”
In other words, why on earth would someone exercise self restraint by choice?
Can I be transparent with you? One of my biggest concerns is that in my effort to stay culturally sensitive, I might risk becoming spiritually distant and watered down.
Am I alone?
I feel a special connection to people that probably won’t walk into the church doors. And many of those persons, to be frank, can’t understand most church folk. To be honest, I am what someone would consider ‘church folk’ and at times I can’t understand us.
Sometimes we can be so spiritually minded that we are no earthly good. Do you know what I’m talking about? Some of us can’t hold a conversation about anything unless it has ‘thus’ and ‘thou’ included.
But at the same time, as I obey my life calling, to reach those persons disconnected to the church, I can’t compromise the Way of the Lord. I have to remember that principles of self denial are crucial to our walk with Christ, regardless of what messages we are being bombarded with daily.
I have several mentors in the Word of God, and the Apostle Paul is near the top of the list. He addresses this very issue (for me at least) in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. This is what I hear when I read it “Robin, just because the culture tells you that it’s okay for you to do it, doesn’t mean you have to do it. Girl you were purchased with a price and the price wasn’t cheap. Act like it!”.
Are you like me? Is your heart turned towards those that for whatever reason aren’t turned towards the church? If so, stand with me as I recommit to being…
…culturally sensitive, yet spiritually transformed.
…Relevant and spiritually sound.
…real while spiritually submitted.
Because what would it matter if we gained the world, but lost our souls? (Matthew 15:26)
Robin May is the creator of Virtue Speaks (www.virtuespeaks.com), a site focused on spiritual and relational empowerment. A mental health therapist and relationship coach, Robin is the author of the brand new book, Before You Take His Name. Robin most treasures her roles as wife to husband, Lee May, and mother to their daughters Ryann and Reagan.
© Robin May all rights reserved
Recently I found myself humming an old, but familiar song. I’m sure you’ll remember it:
“I am persuaded; Lord to love you; I have been changed to bless Your Name; I am constrained, by this great gospel, Forever to worship Thee…”.
As I eventually began to sing the song out loud (I refuse to accept that singing is not one of my gifts), I couldn’t help but think about the words. “I am constrained by this great gospel.” That line surely isn’t popular in this new decade.
Think about it. Words like…
Sacrifice. Self Control.
Submission to a higher authority.
Saying ‘no’ when everything and everyone else says yes.
…in the culture that we live in, these virtues are not only unpopular, they are almost obsolete. As a matter of fact, someone living their life by a moral compass is often criticized and laughed at by people in their social circle.
Let me give you an example. Have you heard of the popular pop singing group the “Jonas Brothers?” Although I am not completely familiar with their music, I remember hearing that these young men had committed themselves to staying abstinent until marriage. Whether or not they are sticking to their commitment is irrelevant.
What is interesting to me is the fact that these young men were the ongoing fodder for many comedians for quite a while. As a matter of fact, a popular comedian went so far as to suggest that these young men were impotent because “why else would someone wait until marriage to have sex?”
In other words, why on earth would someone exercise self restraint by choice?
Can I be transparent with you? One of my biggest concerns is that in my effort to stay culturally sensitive, I might risk becoming spiritually distant and watered down.
Am I alone?
I feel a special connection to people that probably won’t walk into the church doors. And many of those persons, to be frank, can’t understand most church folk. To be honest, I am what someone would consider ‘church folk’ and at times I can’t understand us.
Sometimes we can be so spiritually minded that we are no earthly good. Do you know what I’m talking about? Some of us can’t hold a conversation about anything unless it has ‘thus’ and ‘thou’ included.
But at the same time, as I obey my life calling, to reach those persons disconnected to the church, I can’t compromise the Way of the Lord. I have to remember that principles of self denial are crucial to our walk with Christ, regardless of what messages we are being bombarded with daily.
I have several mentors in the Word of God, and the Apostle Paul is near the top of the list. He addresses this very issue (for me at least) in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. This is what I hear when I read it “Robin, just because the culture tells you that it’s okay for you to do it, doesn’t mean you have to do it. Girl you were purchased with a price and the price wasn’t cheap. Act like it!”.
Are you like me? Is your heart turned towards those that for whatever reason aren’t turned towards the church? If so, stand with me as I recommit to being…
…culturally sensitive, yet spiritually transformed.
…Relevant and spiritually sound.
…real while spiritually submitted.
Because what would it matter if we gained the world, but lost our souls? (Matthew 15:26)
Robin May is the creator of Virtue Speaks (www.virtuespeaks.com), a site focused on spiritual and relational empowerment. A mental health therapist and relationship coach, Robin is the author of the brand new book, Before You Take His Name. Robin most treasures her roles as wife to husband, Lee May, and mother to their daughters Ryann and Reagan.
© Robin May all rights reserved
Monday, March 22, 2010
Why Do I Praise Him?
Pastor Marvin Moss
As you begin this new day, take a moment to focus on the question, "Why do I praise Him?"
In this climate of layoffs and economic hardship, it's easy to become focused on the mess in our lives. However, we need to focus on the message that comes through the mess. Through God's loving-kindness and mercies we can turn our turmoil into testimonies. We must know and rest on the fact that regardless of whatever life throws our way, God is there for us, guiding us through.
Probably one of the most difficult things for Christians is to praise him when we are going through the fire; but in life we have to go through the fire to become purified. It's like in Chaka Khan's classic song. She talks about going to the limit, to the wall.... I have a question for you: Are you willing to go through the fire to get to the other side?
1 Peter 1:7 is a great example of going through the fires of life. He reminds us "These trials are only to test your faith... It's (faith) being tested as fire tests and purifies gold.... "This scripture is so relevant to many of us today; many of us who find ourselves going through the fires of life. Think about the trials we face: the job that's about to end; a bad doctor's report; a foreclosure or bankruptcy; a failed relationship.
What I want to remind you today is this: Don't let life or its circumstances pull you away from God or the things of God. What we must focus on in the midst of the trial is not just what's happening to us, but what's happening in us. God is using the heat of the fire to mold us, to shape us and create in us a pure heart and right spirit.
So my sister, my brother, stop wondering if your prayers are being answered. Stop second-guessing God's promises for your life. Don't doubt and give in to the tricks of the enemy. Yes, you may have lost your job. Yes, your situation may have you down. Yes you may have received a poor medical report; but why not change the ending? Yes, you may have lost your job, but God will provide all of your needs. Yes, you may be depressed, but He will be your comforter. Yes you may be sick, but God is a Healer- Jehovah Rophe!
This is why we praise Him! Because despite whatever life throws our way, our God is there to pull us through. We shouldn't just praise God in the good times, because as we all know life is not always a bed of roses. Why do I praise Him? I praise Him because He is so good; because He is faithful; because He always sees me through; because He is my Father; because I love Him.
Instead of concentrating on the negative in your life, thank God for giving you life, health, and strength. Put up the dishes from your pity party; put on the full armor of God; and keep it moving! Encourage yourself in the Lord!
Pastor Marvin Moss is senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor Moss is extremely active within the Atlanta community, and serves on the Board of Trustees at Gammon Theological Seminary. In April of 2009, Pastor Moss became one of 58 highly selective inductees into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College. For more information about Pastor Moss, log onto www.cascadeumc.org.
© Pastor Marvin Moss all rights reserved
As you begin this new day, take a moment to focus on the question, "Why do I praise Him?"
In this climate of layoffs and economic hardship, it's easy to become focused on the mess in our lives. However, we need to focus on the message that comes through the mess. Through God's loving-kindness and mercies we can turn our turmoil into testimonies. We must know and rest on the fact that regardless of whatever life throws our way, God is there for us, guiding us through.
Probably one of the most difficult things for Christians is to praise him when we are going through the fire; but in life we have to go through the fire to become purified. It's like in Chaka Khan's classic song. She talks about going to the limit, to the wall.... I have a question for you: Are you willing to go through the fire to get to the other side?
1 Peter 1:7 is a great example of going through the fires of life. He reminds us "These trials are only to test your faith... It's (faith) being tested as fire tests and purifies gold.... "This scripture is so relevant to many of us today; many of us who find ourselves going through the fires of life. Think about the trials we face: the job that's about to end; a bad doctor's report; a foreclosure or bankruptcy; a failed relationship.
What I want to remind you today is this: Don't let life or its circumstances pull you away from God or the things of God. What we must focus on in the midst of the trial is not just what's happening to us, but what's happening in us. God is using the heat of the fire to mold us, to shape us and create in us a pure heart and right spirit.
So my sister, my brother, stop wondering if your prayers are being answered. Stop second-guessing God's promises for your life. Don't doubt and give in to the tricks of the enemy. Yes, you may have lost your job. Yes, your situation may have you down. Yes you may have received a poor medical report; but why not change the ending? Yes, you may have lost your job, but God will provide all of your needs. Yes, you may be depressed, but He will be your comforter. Yes you may be sick, but God is a Healer- Jehovah Rophe!
This is why we praise Him! Because despite whatever life throws our way, our God is there to pull us through. We shouldn't just praise God in the good times, because as we all know life is not always a bed of roses. Why do I praise Him? I praise Him because He is so good; because He is faithful; because He always sees me through; because He is my Father; because I love Him.
Instead of concentrating on the negative in your life, thank God for giving you life, health, and strength. Put up the dishes from your pity party; put on the full armor of God; and keep it moving! Encourage yourself in the Lord!
Pastor Marvin Moss is senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor Moss is extremely active within the Atlanta community, and serves on the Board of Trustees at Gammon Theological Seminary. In April of 2009, Pastor Moss became one of 58 highly selective inductees into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College. For more information about Pastor Moss, log onto www.cascadeumc.org.
© Pastor Marvin Moss all rights reserved
Saturday, March 20, 2010
God's Answers Are Everywhere
Pastor Olu Brown
Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Have you ever prayed for something and it seemed like God was on vacation and allowed your prayer to linger in Heaven's In-box too long? You felt like life gave up on you and God had forgotten about you. No matter how much you prayed, begged, or read the Bible, there seemed to be no response from God.
Not only is this a frustrating time but it is also a frightening time. Frustrating because you can't get a prayer through and frightening because you begin to wonder if God is really even there.
I can imagine Paul wrote Romans 12:12 to a group of people who were experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. He encouraged them to remain "Faithful in Prayer." Every once in a while we have to be reminded to continue to pray even when our prayers don't seem to be answered or when we think God has taken a vacation during our most critical time of need.
One of Paul's most consistent roles was to encourage the people. He had to reassure them of God's steadfast love and protection. I hope whenever we feel like God does not hear us or our prayers are being ignored, we remain faithful in prayer.
Often, I am reminded of how much God really cares and how many times God truly answers my prayers. Sometimes I have to slow down, live a little and look around to see God's answered prayers in my life and the world around me.
I know this may sound cheesy, but God's answers to our prayers are everywhere. Look around!
The lead pastor of Impact Church, located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, Pastor Olu Brown has helped grow Impact into one of the fastest growing new church starts in America. For more information about Pastor Brown, log onto www.impactdcd.org or by following him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/olub.
© Pastor Olu Brown all rights reser
Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Have you ever prayed for something and it seemed like God was on vacation and allowed your prayer to linger in Heaven's In-box too long? You felt like life gave up on you and God had forgotten about you. No matter how much you prayed, begged, or read the Bible, there seemed to be no response from God.
Not only is this a frustrating time but it is also a frightening time. Frustrating because you can't get a prayer through and frightening because you begin to wonder if God is really even there.
I can imagine Paul wrote Romans 12:12 to a group of people who were experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. He encouraged them to remain "Faithful in Prayer." Every once in a while we have to be reminded to continue to pray even when our prayers don't seem to be answered or when we think God has taken a vacation during our most critical time of need.
One of Paul's most consistent roles was to encourage the people. He had to reassure them of God's steadfast love and protection. I hope whenever we feel like God does not hear us or our prayers are being ignored, we remain faithful in prayer.
Often, I am reminded of how much God really cares and how many times God truly answers my prayers. Sometimes I have to slow down, live a little and look around to see God's answered prayers in my life and the world around me.
I know this may sound cheesy, but God's answers to our prayers are everywhere. Look around!
The lead pastor of Impact Church, located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, Pastor Olu Brown has helped grow Impact into one of the fastest growing new church starts in America. For more information about Pastor Brown, log onto www.impactdcd.org or by following him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/olub.
© Pastor Olu Brown all rights reser
School of Hard Knocks
Aqualyn Toi Jones
I have a list of pet peeves that seems to grow as I grow older. Number seven on that list is speaking to a customer service rep who cannot answer my question. It's kind of like an oxymoron. The whole point of asking a question is to receive a response. It's impolite to not answer. And when a request seems unheard, it's easy to feel ignored or insignificant.
When we go to God in prayer, we go expecting an answer. We desperately want to know that He hears us and that He cares. When we inquire about the deepest issues of our hearts, we need to know that there is an answer and that we will receive it.
Jesus promises that if you ask, you will receive. If you seek, you will find and if you knock, the door will be opened for you (Matthew 7:7). We have a promise that our prayers will be heard AND answered.
But what happens when the answers aren't so clear? What do you do when what you've been fervently praying for doesn't happen? This is what I call the "School of the Hard Knocks." Typically that phrase refers to the knowledge you gain from life's negative experiences. Here, it is the lessons we learn as we persistently ask, seek, and knock. It is the growth we experience as we wait for our prayers to be answered.
Waiting. There's another item on my list of pet peeves. Possibly, number one. But it goes hand-in-hand with prayer.
We live in an "instant" society. I can send a message in an instant. I can prepare a meal in an instant (thanks to the handy dandy microwave). I can download music in an instant. No wonder we're so accustomed to instant gratification. So accustomed, in fact, that we expect instant answers from God.
Let's be clear. He can answer in an instant. He can answer before you even ask the question. But often there will be a delay between the time you ask and the time you receive. This is the time when our faith is tested and strengthened.
Sometimes before prayer can be answered, we have to be changed. Perhaps when we are our changed the nature of our prayer request will also change.
God is working while we wait. Don't stop asking or seeking. Keep knocking.
Remember, patience is made perfect in the School of the Hard Knocks.
Toi Jones is a writer and an advocate for youth, underdogs, and all things (and people) that are broken and overlooked. Compassionate at her core, Toi is also an educator, a mentor, and a supporter of multiple initiatives for South Africa.
© Aqualyn Toi Jones all rights reserved
I have a list of pet peeves that seems to grow as I grow older. Number seven on that list is speaking to a customer service rep who cannot answer my question. It's kind of like an oxymoron. The whole point of asking a question is to receive a response. It's impolite to not answer. And when a request seems unheard, it's easy to feel ignored or insignificant.
When we go to God in prayer, we go expecting an answer. We desperately want to know that He hears us and that He cares. When we inquire about the deepest issues of our hearts, we need to know that there is an answer and that we will receive it.
Jesus promises that if you ask, you will receive. If you seek, you will find and if you knock, the door will be opened for you (Matthew 7:7). We have a promise that our prayers will be heard AND answered.
But what happens when the answers aren't so clear? What do you do when what you've been fervently praying for doesn't happen? This is what I call the "School of the Hard Knocks." Typically that phrase refers to the knowledge you gain from life's negative experiences. Here, it is the lessons we learn as we persistently ask, seek, and knock. It is the growth we experience as we wait for our prayers to be answered.
Waiting. There's another item on my list of pet peeves. Possibly, number one. But it goes hand-in-hand with prayer.
We live in an "instant" society. I can send a message in an instant. I can prepare a meal in an instant (thanks to the handy dandy microwave). I can download music in an instant. No wonder we're so accustomed to instant gratification. So accustomed, in fact, that we expect instant answers from God.
Let's be clear. He can answer in an instant. He can answer before you even ask the question. But often there will be a delay between the time you ask and the time you receive. This is the time when our faith is tested and strengthened.
Sometimes before prayer can be answered, we have to be changed. Perhaps when we are our changed the nature of our prayer request will also change.
God is working while we wait. Don't stop asking or seeking. Keep knocking.
Remember, patience is made perfect in the School of the Hard Knocks.
Toi Jones is a writer and an advocate for youth, underdogs, and all things (and people) that are broken and overlooked. Compassionate at her core, Toi is also an educator, a mentor, and a supporter of multiple initiatives for South Africa.
© Aqualyn Toi Jones all rights reserved
Thursday, March 18, 2010
An Answered Prayer
Bonnie St. John
And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) In the church I attend, the pastor always stops at one point in the service to ask the congregation if we have praises or requests to share. It seems that every Sunday, there are people who ask us to join them in praying for a friend or family member struggling with some sort of physical ailment.
"Please pray for my Aunt Jenny who was in a car accident last week. Pray that she won't have to have her leg amputated."
"My friend at work, his son has cancer. Please pray for healing and courage."
"My wife has macular degeneration. Her eyesight is slowing fading. Pray that the doctors can stop the spread of the disease."
We all want these physical calamities to be healed so that our loved ones do not have to suffer the pain, the discomfort, and the long-term, day-to-day indignities of life with a disability. No one would wish a physical disability on anyone else. We pray that God could give our loved one an easier life.
My mother must have felt this way when the doctor told her, shortly after I was born, that my right leg would not grow normally.
"I recommend that you amputate the leg as soon as possible," he told her.
My mother prayed that there would be another solution besides disfiguring her baby--a baby who looked so fragile and so perfect. She actively searched for any alternatives. She fitted me with orthopedic braces and shoes. She consulted doctor after doctor. But most of all, she continued praying.
When I reached age five, she finally capitulated to the inevitable and agreed to let go of my emaciated limb.
Should she conclude that her prayers were not answered? Should all of us who pray every Sunday for healing, remission, and miracle cures be disappointed with God when things don't go the way we think they should?
If only my mother could have known how things would turn out! How could she have any idea that her one-legged daughter from San Diego would become the first African-American to win Olympic or Paralympic medals in ski racing, of all sports!?!
Yes, you heard that right: a black, one-legged girl who grew up in San Diego with no snow turned into a world class ski racer winning two bronze medals and the silver for overall performance in the 1984 Paralympics in Innsbruck, Austria - and made African-American history in the process. My "disability" has opened so many doors and created so many opportunities for me that I couldn't possibly describe them all here. As just one example, I have been invited to be a part of the official Presidential delegation to Vancouver for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympics! I will once again have the honor of representing my country at the Olympics, 26 years after my performance as an athlete.
So many of us enjoyed watching the perfection of human physical performance in Winter Olympic competition in Canada, but fewer people are aware that the Paralympics are beginning, in the same Vancouver ice rinks, ski slopes and bobsled runs, on March 12th. While the athletes are far less perfect--missing arms and legs, paralyzed and blind--their performances are perhaps more astoundingly poignant and beautiful for that very reason.
At disabled sports competitions, I have always felt as though I have stumbled upon a place where Jesus has recently passed through. Looking around you, it seems that miraculous healing has occurred. Blind racers ski at 50 miles per hour around the red and blue gates, paralyzed men in low-profile sleds aggressively play hockey, and women with no arms speed by on Nordic skis. These extraordinary people have not just escaped their fate of disability, but stand as incredible examples of our ability, with faith, to transcend disability itself.
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
If you want to see the hand of God at work, go online and watch the Paralympic events if you can't get them through your local TV provider. You will be amazed. And, you will be reminded of what God can do in your life, if you will give up your "brokenness" to Him.
Now, I work as a full time inspirational writer, speaker, and trainer...boasting of my disabilities and how God has shown his strength in my weakness. Indeed, "I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Every day, know that your prayers will be answered - even if that answer is sometimes not the answer you would have preferred. Perhaps you or a loved one may have to endure more than you think you can. But if you will put your suffering on the altar and let Him take control, conquering your challenges can be not only proof of His strength, but a shining light to others who stand in need.
A professional speaker and Olympic medalist, Bonnie St. John has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, the 700 Club, and Life Today. The author of How Strong Women Pray and Live Your Joy, Bonnie St. John is committed to reaching out to the world with a message of triumph over circumstance. For more information about Bonnie, log onto www.bonniestjohn.com or read her blog at www.bonniestjohn.com/blog.aspx
© Bonnie St. John all rights reserved
And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) In the church I attend, the pastor always stops at one point in the service to ask the congregation if we have praises or requests to share. It seems that every Sunday, there are people who ask us to join them in praying for a friend or family member struggling with some sort of physical ailment.
"Please pray for my Aunt Jenny who was in a car accident last week. Pray that she won't have to have her leg amputated."
"My friend at work, his son has cancer. Please pray for healing and courage."
"My wife has macular degeneration. Her eyesight is slowing fading. Pray that the doctors can stop the spread of the disease."
We all want these physical calamities to be healed so that our loved ones do not have to suffer the pain, the discomfort, and the long-term, day-to-day indignities of life with a disability. No one would wish a physical disability on anyone else. We pray that God could give our loved one an easier life.
My mother must have felt this way when the doctor told her, shortly after I was born, that my right leg would not grow normally.
"I recommend that you amputate the leg as soon as possible," he told her.
My mother prayed that there would be another solution besides disfiguring her baby--a baby who looked so fragile and so perfect. She actively searched for any alternatives. She fitted me with orthopedic braces and shoes. She consulted doctor after doctor. But most of all, she continued praying.
When I reached age five, she finally capitulated to the inevitable and agreed to let go of my emaciated limb.
Should she conclude that her prayers were not answered? Should all of us who pray every Sunday for healing, remission, and miracle cures be disappointed with God when things don't go the way we think they should?
If only my mother could have known how things would turn out! How could she have any idea that her one-legged daughter from San Diego would become the first African-American to win Olympic or Paralympic medals in ski racing, of all sports!?!
Yes, you heard that right: a black, one-legged girl who grew up in San Diego with no snow turned into a world class ski racer winning two bronze medals and the silver for overall performance in the 1984 Paralympics in Innsbruck, Austria - and made African-American history in the process. My "disability" has opened so many doors and created so many opportunities for me that I couldn't possibly describe them all here. As just one example, I have been invited to be a part of the official Presidential delegation to Vancouver for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympics! I will once again have the honor of representing my country at the Olympics, 26 years after my performance as an athlete.
So many of us enjoyed watching the perfection of human physical performance in Winter Olympic competition in Canada, but fewer people are aware that the Paralympics are beginning, in the same Vancouver ice rinks, ski slopes and bobsled runs, on March 12th. While the athletes are far less perfect--missing arms and legs, paralyzed and blind--their performances are perhaps more astoundingly poignant and beautiful for that very reason.
At disabled sports competitions, I have always felt as though I have stumbled upon a place where Jesus has recently passed through. Looking around you, it seems that miraculous healing has occurred. Blind racers ski at 50 miles per hour around the red and blue gates, paralyzed men in low-profile sleds aggressively play hockey, and women with no arms speed by on Nordic skis. These extraordinary people have not just escaped their fate of disability, but stand as incredible examples of our ability, with faith, to transcend disability itself.
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
If you want to see the hand of God at work, go online and watch the Paralympic events if you can't get them through your local TV provider. You will be amazed. And, you will be reminded of what God can do in your life, if you will give up your "brokenness" to Him.
Now, I work as a full time inspirational writer, speaker, and trainer...boasting of my disabilities and how God has shown his strength in my weakness. Indeed, "I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Every day, know that your prayers will be answered - even if that answer is sometimes not the answer you would have preferred. Perhaps you or a loved one may have to endure more than you think you can. But if you will put your suffering on the altar and let Him take control, conquering your challenges can be not only proof of His strength, but a shining light to others who stand in need.
A professional speaker and Olympic medalist, Bonnie St. John has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, the 700 Club, and Life Today. The author of How Strong Women Pray and Live Your Joy, Bonnie St. John is committed to reaching out to the world with a message of triumph over circumstance. For more information about Bonnie, log onto www.bonniestjohn.com or read her blog at www.bonniestjohn.com/blog.aspx
© Bonnie St. John all rights reserved
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Nevertheless Moments
Elder Tony Wilson
Nevertheless.
An adverb which indicates the opportunity to change, yet maintaining the same direction or course of action.
This one word serves as a major turning point throughout the Word of God. This one word has stood center stage throughout the course of human history. Allow me to explain.
Recently I had the honor of hearing my pastor deliver a eulogy for a person who exhibited tremendous courage in the face of cancer. As we learned more about her, it became very evident that she used her illness as an opportunity to minister to others. When others called or visited her to share words of encouragement and prayer, she in turn, took that same moment to encourage them.
It was clear that she faced and conquered what I call a nevertheless moment.
In Mark 14:36, we find Jesus at one of the most crushing moments in His life. Temptation was pulling on Him, causing His flesh to war against His spirit. The agony that Jesus went through at that moment in the Garden of Gethsemane caused Him to cry out to His Father for help.
"And He said, 'Abba Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me..." - Mark 14:36v.
Have you ever wondered what would have happened if God (the Father) would have answered that prayer? What if Jesus yielded to His own desire that night? Satan would have certainly won. The virgin birth, the baptism, the miracles, the teachings, everything would have been for nothing!
But praise be unto God for this one small word: nevertheless.
"...Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will." - Mark 14:36v.
Precisely at this moment in time, Jesus stood at the crossroads of eternity and held humanity in His hands. Jesus through prayer completely yielded His will, His desires, His flesh, and His plans to the Will of His Father.
If Jesus turned His back at that moment, we would not be reading this devotional. We would not have a moral compass to guide our thoughts, nor an ethical path to lead us to correct decisions.
Today we all face at times nevertheless moments. The decisions we make and the prayers we pray can change the very trajectory of our lives or that of another person.
Let's be sure that our prayers do not enable us to take the easy way out. Let's look and take the example of our Savior. Today, let us walk in His footsteps.
Along with his wife of 19 years, Jennifer, Elder Tony Wilson is the founders and facilitators of Marriage Retreat 365, an organization that encourages and models for couples various methods of maintaining intimacy while addressing the everyday responsibilities of being a family. A father of four, Elder Wilson is currently on staff at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, located in Lithonia, Georgia.
© Elder Tony Wilson all rights reserved
Nevertheless.
An adverb which indicates the opportunity to change, yet maintaining the same direction or course of action.
This one word serves as a major turning point throughout the Word of God. This one word has stood center stage throughout the course of human history. Allow me to explain.
Recently I had the honor of hearing my pastor deliver a eulogy for a person who exhibited tremendous courage in the face of cancer. As we learned more about her, it became very evident that she used her illness as an opportunity to minister to others. When others called or visited her to share words of encouragement and prayer, she in turn, took that same moment to encourage them.
It was clear that she faced and conquered what I call a nevertheless moment.
In Mark 14:36, we find Jesus at one of the most crushing moments in His life. Temptation was pulling on Him, causing His flesh to war against His spirit. The agony that Jesus went through at that moment in the Garden of Gethsemane caused Him to cry out to His Father for help.
"And He said, 'Abba Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me..." - Mark 14:36v.
Have you ever wondered what would have happened if God (the Father) would have answered that prayer? What if Jesus yielded to His own desire that night? Satan would have certainly won. The virgin birth, the baptism, the miracles, the teachings, everything would have been for nothing!
But praise be unto God for this one small word: nevertheless.
"...Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will." - Mark 14:36v.
Precisely at this moment in time, Jesus stood at the crossroads of eternity and held humanity in His hands. Jesus through prayer completely yielded His will, His desires, His flesh, and His plans to the Will of His Father.
If Jesus turned His back at that moment, we would not be reading this devotional. We would not have a moral compass to guide our thoughts, nor an ethical path to lead us to correct decisions.
Today we all face at times nevertheless moments. The decisions we make and the prayers we pray can change the very trajectory of our lives or that of another person.
Let's be sure that our prayers do not enable us to take the easy way out. Let's look and take the example of our Savior. Today, let us walk in His footsteps.
Along with his wife of 19 years, Jennifer, Elder Tony Wilson is the founders and facilitators of Marriage Retreat 365, an organization that encourages and models for couples various methods of maintaining intimacy while addressing the everyday responsibilities of being a family. A father of four, Elder Wilson is currently on staff at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, located in Lithonia, Georgia.
© Elder Tony Wilson all rights reserved
Monday, March 15, 2010
Your Answer is at the Door
Rev. James C. Matthews
"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him' ... 'Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists'. ... 'When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!" "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel." But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. (Acts 12:5,7,12-16, NIV)
One morning during my prayer and devotion time, I ran across a scripture that stopped me in my tracks. There was something in the text that God wanted me to see. So I backed up and reread the text again. Then it hit me! These believers, who were praying earnestly, weren't expecting their prayers to be answered. I said to myself: "How can this be? How can we prayer "earnestly" for something and not believe our answer when it arrives?" God revealed to me that this happens all the time. He sends answers to our prayers and they are returned to Him stamped "Unclaimed."
Why is this? How can we take the time to pray and not expect our answer or recognize it when it comes knocking? I believe there are three main reasons why this happens.
First, is a "lack of expectation" due to "past experiences". In looking at the context of this scripture, these individuals had experienced fellow believers being killed, even after they prayed for their release. They had endured the stoning of Stephen, the slaying of James and now their leader Peter was schedule to be next. Those who were in the house praying, told the young girl who reported that their prayers had been answered, that she was "out of her mind". However, we must remember that our past experiences or failures do not determine or dictate God's present or future course of action. Many of the most difficult things that hinder our forward movement in life, are not the things that lay ahead of us, but those things that are behind us that distract us from what is happening in our lives now. We must expect God to answer our prayers and be on the look out for its manifestation in our lives, regardless of what happened yesterday. The Bible says that he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Secondly, prayer in the lives of many believers, has been minimized to being nothing more than a "religious activity or responsibility", instead of it being the heaven moving gift of God. When we lose sight of the fact that we are calling upon an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent Creator God of the universe, who also happens to be "our Father", we can become overwhelmed by the severity of our situation. We must understand that we are not calling upon another human being or some distant disinterested deity - but our Father who has no limitations. If I can find it in His Word, and agree with what He has said, the facts of my situation will have to line up with the truth of His word. Facts change everyday, but the truth never changes. Because I've decided to believe the truth above the fluctuating facts, I have a legitimate expectation of manifestation (answered pray) in my life. Prayer is more than religion or a believer's responsibility, but a relationship with our Father!
Thirdly, "God's ways are not our ways". I truly believe, that part of the difficulty those gathered in prayer had in receiving their answer, was that it seemed "too easy". They prayed and God answered their prayer. It was that simple! Believe it or not, this happens more often than you think. I've discovered that many of us overlook our answers because we "feel" that we haven't toiled, labored or suffered enough to have earned an answer from God. Remember, you are a "son", not a slave! You don't earn blessings - you receive them! Jesus said, in Matthew 7:11, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Therefore, what have you been praying to God about? Did you know that God is your Father and He wants to bless you? Do you expect your prayer to be answered? If not, you need to take a good look around, because the answer to your prayer may have already arrived, and waiting on you to receive it!
Pastor James C. (J.C.) Matthews is the founder and Senior Pastor of the multi-cultural non-denominational Dunamis Life Ministries of Dallas, Texas. Pastor Matthews is known for his love of God's Word, unusual wisdom, passionate preaching style and gift of practically applying scripture to everyday. He is the author of the Saved but Stuck: 30 Days to Personal Revival". "I'll Come... When I Get Myself Together" and "My Situation Is Not My Destination - Only Preparation". J.C. Matthews lives in the Dallas / Ft. Worth Texas area with his wife Gena and four children.
© Rev. James C. Matthews all rights reserved
"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him' ... 'Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists'. ... 'When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!" "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel." But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. (Acts 12:5,7,12-16, NIV)
One morning during my prayer and devotion time, I ran across a scripture that stopped me in my tracks. There was something in the text that God wanted me to see. So I backed up and reread the text again. Then it hit me! These believers, who were praying earnestly, weren't expecting their prayers to be answered. I said to myself: "How can this be? How can we prayer "earnestly" for something and not believe our answer when it arrives?" God revealed to me that this happens all the time. He sends answers to our prayers and they are returned to Him stamped "Unclaimed."
Why is this? How can we take the time to pray and not expect our answer or recognize it when it comes knocking? I believe there are three main reasons why this happens.
First, is a "lack of expectation" due to "past experiences". In looking at the context of this scripture, these individuals had experienced fellow believers being killed, even after they prayed for their release. They had endured the stoning of Stephen, the slaying of James and now their leader Peter was schedule to be next. Those who were in the house praying, told the young girl who reported that their prayers had been answered, that she was "out of her mind". However, we must remember that our past experiences or failures do not determine or dictate God's present or future course of action. Many of the most difficult things that hinder our forward movement in life, are not the things that lay ahead of us, but those things that are behind us that distract us from what is happening in our lives now. We must expect God to answer our prayers and be on the look out for its manifestation in our lives, regardless of what happened yesterday. The Bible says that he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Secondly, prayer in the lives of many believers, has been minimized to being nothing more than a "religious activity or responsibility", instead of it being the heaven moving gift of God. When we lose sight of the fact that we are calling upon an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent Creator God of the universe, who also happens to be "our Father", we can become overwhelmed by the severity of our situation. We must understand that we are not calling upon another human being or some distant disinterested deity - but our Father who has no limitations. If I can find it in His Word, and agree with what He has said, the facts of my situation will have to line up with the truth of His word. Facts change everyday, but the truth never changes. Because I've decided to believe the truth above the fluctuating facts, I have a legitimate expectation of manifestation (answered pray) in my life. Prayer is more than religion or a believer's responsibility, but a relationship with our Father!
Thirdly, "God's ways are not our ways". I truly believe, that part of the difficulty those gathered in prayer had in receiving their answer, was that it seemed "too easy". They prayed and God answered their prayer. It was that simple! Believe it or not, this happens more often than you think. I've discovered that many of us overlook our answers because we "feel" that we haven't toiled, labored or suffered enough to have earned an answer from God. Remember, you are a "son", not a slave! You don't earn blessings - you receive them! Jesus said, in Matthew 7:11, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Therefore, what have you been praying to God about? Did you know that God is your Father and He wants to bless you? Do you expect your prayer to be answered? If not, you need to take a good look around, because the answer to your prayer may have already arrived, and waiting on you to receive it!
Pastor James C. (J.C.) Matthews is the founder and Senior Pastor of the multi-cultural non-denominational Dunamis Life Ministries of Dallas, Texas. Pastor Matthews is known for his love of God's Word, unusual wisdom, passionate preaching style and gift of practically applying scripture to everyday. He is the author of the Saved but Stuck: 30 Days to Personal Revival". "I'll Come... When I Get Myself Together" and "My Situation Is Not My Destination - Only Preparation". J.C. Matthews lives in the Dallas / Ft. Worth Texas area with his wife Gena and four children.
© Rev. James C. Matthews all rights reserved
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Answered Prayer
Sonique Sailsman
Depending on who you speak with prayer has many different meanings and styles. Some only pray at a certain time of the day and others pray in a particular place. Some feel prayers must be conducted in a certain order and fashion and others pray spontaneously and without regard. No matter what your opinion is on prayer, it is practically universal that prayer is effective.
Prayer is a personal conversation with GOD. It is a time to thank GOD for his many blessings, petition him for a need and intercede on behalf of another person. When you come to GOD just as you are, unashamed and humble, he is faithful to hear and answer your request.
When you do pray you must understand that GOD is not a genie. Answers to your prayers are based on a few circumstances. Are you walking in GOD's will for your life? Are you being obedient to his voice? Are you putting others needs before your own? These are a few questions you should ask yourself as you pray. GOD is so amazing that he may even show you the answers to these questions in the mist of your prayer. With increased prayer comes more insight and more answers.
What are you asking GOD for? Be very specific. It could be as simple as the kind of dog you want for your birthday or more detailed like the corner office on the 18th floor. GOD is not surprised by your request. He knew before you asked, he was just waiting for you to open up to him and have a conversation. If you look back over your life you can take inventory and see that your prayers were answered and you did not even realize it because you moved on to the next request.
I would encourage you to be more aware of the small prayers that GOD has answered. What a blessing that GOD is not like man and doesn't get mad when we don't recognize and say thank you. He continues to be readily available to hear your prayers at whatever time you present them.
Before I moved into my current home I created a list of things that I wanted. I was very specific including the levels of the home, what the inside and outside should look like. I found a picture during my house search and I kept that image in my head. In the search I would pray and ask GOD that he would give me the home that my heart desired.
Every home that I looked at just did not have all the things that I wanted so I continued to look and did not settle. In the end I am happy and comfortable in the home I wanted with all the specifics that I desired.
Prayer is such an easy task but many think it requires complicated words and phrases. It is probably the easiest way to connect with anyone, especially the one who causes the sun to rise and set. No waiting until the office opens or someone wakes up. You can pray when and where you want to. You can make your request known unto God and by faith and if it is in HIS eternal will for your life it will be given onto you.
You may not be seeking a new home but your prayer maybe a new job, financial blessing, a mate, a car etc. Whatever it is that your heart desires take it to GOD and be very specific. Trust and have faith that your prayers are being heard.
If you feel you are not in right standing with GOD and your prayers are hindered I encourage you to begin praying that GOD would remove the hindrances between you and HIM and you can begin to move in the joy of answered prayer.
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer- Ezra 8:23
A pediatric registered nurse, Sonique Sailsman teaches pediatric nursing both in the classroom and in a clinical environment. She has served in ministry since her time at the University of Miami. She enjoys writing short devotionals for friends and family just to encourage and edify. Sonique Sailsman can be reached at standandencourage@hotmail.com.
© Sonique Sailsman all rights reserved
Depending on who you speak with prayer has many different meanings and styles. Some only pray at a certain time of the day and others pray in a particular place. Some feel prayers must be conducted in a certain order and fashion and others pray spontaneously and without regard. No matter what your opinion is on prayer, it is practically universal that prayer is effective.
Prayer is a personal conversation with GOD. It is a time to thank GOD for his many blessings, petition him for a need and intercede on behalf of another person. When you come to GOD just as you are, unashamed and humble, he is faithful to hear and answer your request.
When you do pray you must understand that GOD is not a genie. Answers to your prayers are based on a few circumstances. Are you walking in GOD's will for your life? Are you being obedient to his voice? Are you putting others needs before your own? These are a few questions you should ask yourself as you pray. GOD is so amazing that he may even show you the answers to these questions in the mist of your prayer. With increased prayer comes more insight and more answers.
What are you asking GOD for? Be very specific. It could be as simple as the kind of dog you want for your birthday or more detailed like the corner office on the 18th floor. GOD is not surprised by your request. He knew before you asked, he was just waiting for you to open up to him and have a conversation. If you look back over your life you can take inventory and see that your prayers were answered and you did not even realize it because you moved on to the next request.
I would encourage you to be more aware of the small prayers that GOD has answered. What a blessing that GOD is not like man and doesn't get mad when we don't recognize and say thank you. He continues to be readily available to hear your prayers at whatever time you present them.
Before I moved into my current home I created a list of things that I wanted. I was very specific including the levels of the home, what the inside and outside should look like. I found a picture during my house search and I kept that image in my head. In the search I would pray and ask GOD that he would give me the home that my heart desired.
Every home that I looked at just did not have all the things that I wanted so I continued to look and did not settle. In the end I am happy and comfortable in the home I wanted with all the specifics that I desired.
Prayer is such an easy task but many think it requires complicated words and phrases. It is probably the easiest way to connect with anyone, especially the one who causes the sun to rise and set. No waiting until the office opens or someone wakes up. You can pray when and where you want to. You can make your request known unto God and by faith and if it is in HIS eternal will for your life it will be given onto you.
You may not be seeking a new home but your prayer maybe a new job, financial blessing, a mate, a car etc. Whatever it is that your heart desires take it to GOD and be very specific. Trust and have faith that your prayers are being heard.
If you feel you are not in right standing with GOD and your prayers are hindered I encourage you to begin praying that GOD would remove the hindrances between you and HIM and you can begin to move in the joy of answered prayer.
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer- Ezra 8:23
A pediatric registered nurse, Sonique Sailsman teaches pediatric nursing both in the classroom and in a clinical environment. She has served in ministry since her time at the University of Miami. She enjoys writing short devotionals for friends and family just to encourage and edify. Sonique Sailsman can be reached at standandencourage@hotmail.com.
© Sonique Sailsman all rights reserved
Saturday, March 13, 2010
The Time Stealers
Tanya James
I have a confession - several of them actually.
... I don't study my Word as much as I should
... I don't always pray without ceasing
... Sometimes I worry about things instead of walking in faith.
... Sometimes I get road rage and have to catch myself from dropping a 4 letter word.
... Sometimes I hold a grudge and allow anger and bitterness to build up inside.
... Sometimes I can be judgmental.
... Sometimes I don't take care of my temple (my body) the way I should by eating right and exercising.
... Sometimes I procrastinate, make excuses or I just allow the spirit of laziness to take over.
... Sometimes I try to ignore the nudging of the Holy Spirit and continue doing what I want to do.
I'm sure I could continue but I think you get the point. I'm not perfect - far from it. But what I've come to realize is the more time I spend with God, quality time with God, the more I desire to be more like Him. And when that desire is strong, I'm less likely to do and say things that contradict His likeness.
The more time I spend studying God's Word, the stronger I get to turn away from sinful ways (actions). The more time I spend in prayer, the more my faith increases.
And like many, I have been quick to say there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. And that excuse has caused me to often neglect my quality time with God.
Yet, I can always find time to watch my favorite television show. I can always find time to flip through my favorite magazine. I can always find time to check my face book and twitter accounts. I can always find time to carry on text message conversations.
Guess what that says to me? "You make time for what's important to you"
So if I review my day, what seems to be most important? Is it finding out what my friend's latest status update is? Or is finding out what instructions God has for me?
I know what should be my priority and I also know what I have to do about it.
... I may have to get up earlier in the morning.
... I may have to take that twitter and facebook app off my cell phone and replace it with a Bible app.
... I may have to turn the computer and the television off.
... I may even have to turn the ringer off my blackberry sometimes.
Whatever it takes, I will make God my priority. I will spend quality alone time with Him daily.
Prayer, studying the Word and spending time with God must be a part of our lifestyle or else we will continue to try to "re-introduce" ourselves to God every time a crisis arises.
I encourage you to look at your daily schedule and figure out what is keeping you from interacting with God each day. What sacrifices must you make to assure you keep a healthy relationship with God? Whatever it is, I guarantee it won't take long to realize it's worth giving up. Try it! You will be amazed at how much more you get done when your priorities are in order!
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto www.armedanddangerous.biz.
© Tanya James all rights reserved.
Share this devotional on: Facebook MySpace del.icio.us Digg
I have a confession - several of them actually.
... I don't study my Word as much as I should
... I don't always pray without ceasing
... Sometimes I worry about things instead of walking in faith.
... Sometimes I get road rage and have to catch myself from dropping a 4 letter word.
... Sometimes I hold a grudge and allow anger and bitterness to build up inside.
... Sometimes I can be judgmental.
... Sometimes I don't take care of my temple (my body) the way I should by eating right and exercising.
... Sometimes I procrastinate, make excuses or I just allow the spirit of laziness to take over.
... Sometimes I try to ignore the nudging of the Holy Spirit and continue doing what I want to do.
I'm sure I could continue but I think you get the point. I'm not perfect - far from it. But what I've come to realize is the more time I spend with God, quality time with God, the more I desire to be more like Him. And when that desire is strong, I'm less likely to do and say things that contradict His likeness.
The more time I spend studying God's Word, the stronger I get to turn away from sinful ways (actions). The more time I spend in prayer, the more my faith increases.
And like many, I have been quick to say there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. And that excuse has caused me to often neglect my quality time with God.
Yet, I can always find time to watch my favorite television show. I can always find time to flip through my favorite magazine. I can always find time to check my face book and twitter accounts. I can always find time to carry on text message conversations.
Guess what that says to me? "You make time for what's important to you"
So if I review my day, what seems to be most important? Is it finding out what my friend's latest status update is? Or is finding out what instructions God has for me?
I know what should be my priority and I also know what I have to do about it.
... I may have to get up earlier in the morning.
... I may have to take that twitter and facebook app off my cell phone and replace it with a Bible app.
... I may have to turn the computer and the television off.
... I may even have to turn the ringer off my blackberry sometimes.
Whatever it takes, I will make God my priority. I will spend quality alone time with Him daily.
Prayer, studying the Word and spending time with God must be a part of our lifestyle or else we will continue to try to "re-introduce" ourselves to God every time a crisis arises.
I encourage you to look at your daily schedule and figure out what is keeping you from interacting with God each day. What sacrifices must you make to assure you keep a healthy relationship with God? Whatever it is, I guarantee it won't take long to realize it's worth giving up. Try it! You will be amazed at how much more you get done when your priorities are in order!
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto www.armedanddangerous.biz.
© Tanya James all rights reserved.
Share this devotional on: Facebook MySpace del.icio.us Digg
Friday, March 12, 2010
Eliminate the Noise
Milan Ford
Does anyone remember the days when T.V. just went off? Although I'm not exactly sure when, I believe it used to happen right after midnight. You begged your parents to let you stay up just five more minutes to watch the end of that late-night movie, but then all of a sudden, there it was:
The waving American flag.
The Star-Spangled Banner.
That annoying mono-tone sound.
And then yes of course, those infamous color bars.
Ah, those were the days. For those you (like me) who tried staying up a little longer than you were supposed to, you may have discovered that nothing else came on till the morning. Throughout the night, all you would see were those color bars, accompanied with a dead silence.
My how things have changed.
With the emergence of cable television, XM radio stations, iPods, social media networks, and cellular phones that are admired more for their video and music playing ability, than their ability to effectively make or receive a call, it is nearly impossible for you and I to even imagine a world that silence can be effectively pursued. If even slightly appreciated.
Whether we may believe it or not, noise is now very much a part of our daily lives. Whether we are entering our homes, our cars, or even our churches, it is often the first thing we seek: Noise.
What is it about silence that we no longer appreciate? Why has it become so difficult for us to take just a few minutes out of our day... and pursue silence?
In 1 Kings 19:11-12v., God provides us with a great reason why silence may be something you and I (as believers) may no longer want to overlook:
Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire...
... and after the fire a still small voice."
This passage of scripture is just amazing to me. Here we find God, who through an angel, provided a prophet by the name of Elijah, with some instructions as to where to meet Him. For those of you who may not be familiar with him, Elijah had had some pretty good on-the-job work experience on knowing how and where to find God in the past (see 1 Kings 17:2-4; 1 Kings 17:8-9; 1 Kings 18:36-38v).
Yet this time, God revealed himself to Elijah in a way he may have never expected. While standing on the mountain, God allowed a strong wind to pass by Elijah. But God, surprisingly, wasn't there.
Then God allowed Elijah to experience an earthquake. But God still wasn't there. God even allowed Elijah to witness a raging fire, and although God had used fire before with Elijah, God could not be found in the fire this time. And then it happened.
After the wind passed.
After the earthquake ceased.
And after the fire disappeared...there it was.
A still small voice.
It is amazing how many of us have difficulties spending time with God, yet fail to recognize one important element that remains absent throughout our pursuit of Him: Silence.
As believers, the noise we have surrounded our daily lives with is very much a distraction to achieving the type of intimacy and quality time with God that He so desires for us to have.
Time alone with God is imperative to our spiritual growth. And while I realize many of us already know this to be true, I wonder if you and I can consider something together on today:
Aside for the need of more silence and quality time with Him, are there any noises around you now that you simply can NO LONGER hear God speaking through?
Remember, fire was something Elijah had once found God in. But this time, He wasn't there.
Be sure to spend enough time alone with God to know when He has changed His methods of communication with you. This day, hunger after His voice.
Eliminate the noise.
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. A lover of Red Vines Licorice and all things pointing North, Milan released his first book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing in December (2009). You can find Milan rambling and writing at ThePewView.com.
© Milan Ford all rights reserved
Does anyone remember the days when T.V. just went off? Although I'm not exactly sure when, I believe it used to happen right after midnight. You begged your parents to let you stay up just five more minutes to watch the end of that late-night movie, but then all of a sudden, there it was:
The waving American flag.
The Star-Spangled Banner.
That annoying mono-tone sound.
And then yes of course, those infamous color bars.
Ah, those were the days. For those you (like me) who tried staying up a little longer than you were supposed to, you may have discovered that nothing else came on till the morning. Throughout the night, all you would see were those color bars, accompanied with a dead silence.
My how things have changed.
With the emergence of cable television, XM radio stations, iPods, social media networks, and cellular phones that are admired more for their video and music playing ability, than their ability to effectively make or receive a call, it is nearly impossible for you and I to even imagine a world that silence can be effectively pursued. If even slightly appreciated.
Whether we may believe it or not, noise is now very much a part of our daily lives. Whether we are entering our homes, our cars, or even our churches, it is often the first thing we seek: Noise.
What is it about silence that we no longer appreciate? Why has it become so difficult for us to take just a few minutes out of our day... and pursue silence?
In 1 Kings 19:11-12v., God provides us with a great reason why silence may be something you and I (as believers) may no longer want to overlook:
Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire...
... and after the fire a still small voice."
This passage of scripture is just amazing to me. Here we find God, who through an angel, provided a prophet by the name of Elijah, with some instructions as to where to meet Him. For those of you who may not be familiar with him, Elijah had had some pretty good on-the-job work experience on knowing how and where to find God in the past (see 1 Kings 17:2-4; 1 Kings 17:8-9; 1 Kings 18:36-38v).
Yet this time, God revealed himself to Elijah in a way he may have never expected. While standing on the mountain, God allowed a strong wind to pass by Elijah. But God, surprisingly, wasn't there.
Then God allowed Elijah to experience an earthquake. But God still wasn't there. God even allowed Elijah to witness a raging fire, and although God had used fire before with Elijah, God could not be found in the fire this time. And then it happened.
After the wind passed.
After the earthquake ceased.
And after the fire disappeared...there it was.
A still small voice.
It is amazing how many of us have difficulties spending time with God, yet fail to recognize one important element that remains absent throughout our pursuit of Him: Silence.
As believers, the noise we have surrounded our daily lives with is very much a distraction to achieving the type of intimacy and quality time with God that He so desires for us to have.
Time alone with God is imperative to our spiritual growth. And while I realize many of us already know this to be true, I wonder if you and I can consider something together on today:
Aside for the need of more silence and quality time with Him, are there any noises around you now that you simply can NO LONGER hear God speaking through?
Remember, fire was something Elijah had once found God in. But this time, He wasn't there.
Be sure to spend enough time alone with God to know when He has changed His methods of communication with you. This day, hunger after His voice.
Eliminate the noise.
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. A lover of Red Vines Licorice and all things pointing North, Milan released his first book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing in December (2009). You can find Milan rambling and writing at ThePewView.com.
© Milan Ford all rights reserved
Thursday, March 11, 2010
In The Silence
John C. Richards Jr.
And he said, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." - 1 Kings 19:10
Nothing.
Nada.
No answer.
Not even a hint.
What happens when God is silent? Many will not admit periods in their lives when it seems that God is not speaking. Often, this is driven by the fear that others will not see us as "spiritual" as they thought us to be. I'll be honest and tell you that there are times in my life when I feel that God is silent. Yes, even seminary-trained, Greek and Hebrew exegeting, theologically thinking men and women of faith have periods of silence in their lives.
Has there been a period of time in your life when it just felt like God wasn't speaking? You're in good company. The prophet Elijah went through a similar period. Like many Christians, he was very zealous for the Lord. He knew the word of God and had not abandoned his faith. But, he still had questions.
"God, others live their lives in ways that don't glorify you. Yet, they still prosper. Can you explain that to me? They have torn down the altars and refuse to worship you with all their heart, mind and soul. To make matters worse, they have killed your prophets with the sword."
The prophetic can symbolize dreams in our lives. Have you ever had your dreams slain by others? "You sure you want to do that?" "Did you pray about that?" Have you encountered any prophet killers (dream killers)?
Elijah was living in a cave.
He was isolated and alone.
And he sought God, fully expecting to hear an answer.
Silence...
How did God eventually respond? He told Elijah to "go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord" (1 Kings 19:11). I can imagine Elijah. "That's not what I asked you, Lord? Why do you have me doing this? I wanted an answer from you." What a wonderful revelation on how to operate in the silence. It's no surprise that Elijah was told to go stand on the mountain.
It reminds me of a tradition of early settlers in America. Many found that building their dwelling places on hills allowed them to avoid the dangers of poisonous snakes found in the valley. They called this, "living above the snake line". Their discovery? Once you go above that line certain animals,especially snakes, cannot comfortably live there. Do you live above the snake line? Does the enemy/devil still have access to you? If so, I encourage you to climb higher. Snakes (often symbolic of the devil) can't live up there. My greatest problem isn't with the enemy. Personally, I would say that I live above the snake line. My greatest enemy is found within. There are times when I feel like I have missed God. How do I overcome this in the silence?
And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks into pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a small still voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12).
How does God operate in the silence? In a small still voice. I often make the mistake of looking for wind, earthquakes, and fires from God. I want something huge to happen. Especially when it comes to making big decisions in my life.
But this passage teaches us that God comforts us in a small still voice. No wonder we are exhorted to "be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10). If you are going through a period of silence I want to encourage you to celebrate your silence. Eliminate outside noise. Find a high place. Listen up!
For your answer is found in getting alone with God and listening for... His small still voice.
John C. Richards, Jr., Esq. is a husband, writer, attorney, and student. While an attorney by career choice, he is involved in local ministry in the urban Los Angeles area and remains passionate about juvenile justice. He is concluding his final year at Fuller Theological Seminary, and is currently on staff at Hope Community Church in Pasadena, California. For more information about John, log onto www.brotherpreacher.com
© John C. Richards Jr. all rights reserved
And he said, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." - 1 Kings 19:10
Nothing.
Nada.
No answer.
Not even a hint.
What happens when God is silent? Many will not admit periods in their lives when it seems that God is not speaking. Often, this is driven by the fear that others will not see us as "spiritual" as they thought us to be. I'll be honest and tell you that there are times in my life when I feel that God is silent. Yes, even seminary-trained, Greek and Hebrew exegeting, theologically thinking men and women of faith have periods of silence in their lives.
Has there been a period of time in your life when it just felt like God wasn't speaking? You're in good company. The prophet Elijah went through a similar period. Like many Christians, he was very zealous for the Lord. He knew the word of God and had not abandoned his faith. But, he still had questions.
"God, others live their lives in ways that don't glorify you. Yet, they still prosper. Can you explain that to me? They have torn down the altars and refuse to worship you with all their heart, mind and soul. To make matters worse, they have killed your prophets with the sword."
The prophetic can symbolize dreams in our lives. Have you ever had your dreams slain by others? "You sure you want to do that?" "Did you pray about that?" Have you encountered any prophet killers (dream killers)?
Elijah was living in a cave.
He was isolated and alone.
And he sought God, fully expecting to hear an answer.
Silence...
How did God eventually respond? He told Elijah to "go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord" (1 Kings 19:11). I can imagine Elijah. "That's not what I asked you, Lord? Why do you have me doing this? I wanted an answer from you." What a wonderful revelation on how to operate in the silence. It's no surprise that Elijah was told to go stand on the mountain.
It reminds me of a tradition of early settlers in America. Many found that building their dwelling places on hills allowed them to avoid the dangers of poisonous snakes found in the valley. They called this, "living above the snake line". Their discovery? Once you go above that line certain animals,especially snakes, cannot comfortably live there. Do you live above the snake line? Does the enemy/devil still have access to you? If so, I encourage you to climb higher. Snakes (often symbolic of the devil) can't live up there. My greatest problem isn't with the enemy. Personally, I would say that I live above the snake line. My greatest enemy is found within. There are times when I feel like I have missed God. How do I overcome this in the silence?
And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks into pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a small still voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12).
How does God operate in the silence? In a small still voice. I often make the mistake of looking for wind, earthquakes, and fires from God. I want something huge to happen. Especially when it comes to making big decisions in my life.
But this passage teaches us that God comforts us in a small still voice. No wonder we are exhorted to "be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10). If you are going through a period of silence I want to encourage you to celebrate your silence. Eliminate outside noise. Find a high place. Listen up!
For your answer is found in getting alone with God and listening for... His small still voice.
John C. Richards, Jr., Esq. is a husband, writer, attorney, and student. While an attorney by career choice, he is involved in local ministry in the urban Los Angeles area and remains passionate about juvenile justice. He is concluding his final year at Fuller Theological Seminary, and is currently on staff at Hope Community Church in Pasadena, California. For more information about John, log onto www.brotherpreacher.com
© John C. Richards Jr. all rights reserved
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
My Part Is Prayer
Lisa Birch
I've heard it before, and I've even struggled with the thought myself.
"If God knows everything, then why should I pray?"
This reminds me of one part of my journey through Purpose Driven Life when Rick Warren wrote three simple words: Love spells T-I-M-E.
If I claim to love someone, I make it a priority to spend time with that person. Prayer is time with God. Asking, thanking, praising, listening, and just feeling his presence in prayer is all time well spent with him. But it doesn't stop there.
Whether I pray by myself, with one partner, or in a room full of people, there's no getting away from time alone with God because his spirit is always with me. His word says he'll never leave, you know. And his word is guaranteed.
In fact His love for us is the most powerful love to ever exist in all of time and eternity.
With a love of that magnitude pointed directly at me, how could I choose not to sow into the relationship? To sincerely engage? To give what I can to make it flourish and grow? That spiritual growth can't happen without the communication act of prayer.
Yes God knows everything, even before we think, speak or experience it. He's almighty and all-knowing.
But he's also very personal.
And he desires our time through prayer.
Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and several ministerial environments. For more information about Lisa, log onto www.verticalfix.com.
© Lisa Birch all rights reserved.
I've heard it before, and I've even struggled with the thought myself.
"If God knows everything, then why should I pray?"
This reminds me of one part of my journey through Purpose Driven Life when Rick Warren wrote three simple words: Love spells T-I-M-E.
If I claim to love someone, I make it a priority to spend time with that person. Prayer is time with God. Asking, thanking, praising, listening, and just feeling his presence in prayer is all time well spent with him. But it doesn't stop there.
Whether I pray by myself, with one partner, or in a room full of people, there's no getting away from time alone with God because his spirit is always with me. His word says he'll never leave, you know. And his word is guaranteed.
In fact His love for us is the most powerful love to ever exist in all of time and eternity.
With a love of that magnitude pointed directly at me, how could I choose not to sow into the relationship? To sincerely engage? To give what I can to make it flourish and grow? That spiritual growth can't happen without the communication act of prayer.
Yes God knows everything, even before we think, speak or experience it. He's almighty and all-knowing.
But he's also very personal.
And he desires our time through prayer.
Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and several ministerial environments. For more information about Lisa, log onto www.verticalfix.com.
© Lisa Birch all rights reserved.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Prayer that Leads to Praise
Bishop Keith Butler
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4:6 (KJV)
Now, Philippians 4:6 says don't be worried or anxious about anything. Be anxious for nothing, but in every-thing, everything. That means in your financial things, in your physical things, in your relational things, in everything in life. In everything there are three things that you must do: pray, supplicate, and offer thanksgiving to God for delivering you out of the situation.
Now, in Acts, the 16th chapter, it says when Paul and Silas were taken captive, beaten in the city square, stripped, placed in a cold, dark, dingy dungeon at midnight, they prayed. Now, of course, I believe that midnight was a literal midnight, but that midnight also represents whatever dark time is in your life. And if you live long enough, you're going to see a midnight. But I want you to know you can shine some light in the middle of the darkness.
Well this was their opportunity to miss the rest of God. Instead they began to pray. Instead of thinking about what was about to happen, they prayed for God's deliverance. And they sang songs of praise to God, praising Him for their deliverance. They refused to take the thoughts of what their body was telling them and what the situation was telling them. They decided to take God's thoughts by praying. They prayed such a prayer that it started making them rejoice, so much so that there was an earthquake and their shackles fell off and the prison doors swung open.
Now, I know what kind of prayer that had to be. That had to be, Father, I thank you, you are the one who made the world. Everything is in your hands. You are the God who is more than enough, you are my creator, you are the way maker, you are the one that opens the door for me, and you are the one who gives me victory. You are the one who gives me strength. I mean, that's the kind of prayer that they prayed. They're praying that prayer until they came to the place where their prayer made them praise God, and their praise led them to deliverance!
And that's the kind of prayer you must pray when you are in your midnight-your dark situation. Pray a prayer that leads to praise and God will bring you out just like He delivered Paul and Silas.
Scripture References: Acts 16:25-26; Philippians 4:6-8
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. Bishop Butler ministers extensively in churches, conferences, and seminars throughout the U.S. and abroad with an emphasis on instruction and no-nonsense, practical application of God's Word. Click here to browse and purchase MP3 sermons by Bishop Keith Butler!
© Bishop Keith A. Butler all rights reserved
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4:6 (KJV)
Now, Philippians 4:6 says don't be worried or anxious about anything. Be anxious for nothing, but in every-thing, everything. That means in your financial things, in your physical things, in your relational things, in everything in life. In everything there are three things that you must do: pray, supplicate, and offer thanksgiving to God for delivering you out of the situation.
Now, in Acts, the 16th chapter, it says when Paul and Silas were taken captive, beaten in the city square, stripped, placed in a cold, dark, dingy dungeon at midnight, they prayed. Now, of course, I believe that midnight was a literal midnight, but that midnight also represents whatever dark time is in your life. And if you live long enough, you're going to see a midnight. But I want you to know you can shine some light in the middle of the darkness.
Well this was their opportunity to miss the rest of God. Instead they began to pray. Instead of thinking about what was about to happen, they prayed for God's deliverance. And they sang songs of praise to God, praising Him for their deliverance. They refused to take the thoughts of what their body was telling them and what the situation was telling them. They decided to take God's thoughts by praying. They prayed such a prayer that it started making them rejoice, so much so that there was an earthquake and their shackles fell off and the prison doors swung open.
Now, I know what kind of prayer that had to be. That had to be, Father, I thank you, you are the one who made the world. Everything is in your hands. You are the God who is more than enough, you are my creator, you are the way maker, you are the one that opens the door for me, and you are the one who gives me victory. You are the one who gives me strength. I mean, that's the kind of prayer that they prayed. They're praying that prayer until they came to the place where their prayer made them praise God, and their praise led them to deliverance!
And that's the kind of prayer you must pray when you are in your midnight-your dark situation. Pray a prayer that leads to praise and God will bring you out just like He delivered Paul and Silas.
Scripture References: Acts 16:25-26; Philippians 4:6-8
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. Bishop Butler ministers extensively in churches, conferences, and seminars throughout the U.S. and abroad with an emphasis on instruction and no-nonsense, practical application of God's Word. Click here to browse and purchase MP3 sermons by Bishop Keith Butler!
© Bishop Keith A. Butler all rights reserved
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Unlimited Plan
Dr. Tara Jenkins
When I was dating the man who is now my husband of 12 years, I was in undergraduate school in Atlanta while he was in undergraduate school in Chicago. This would be classified as a long distance relationship. During this time (around 1996 to 1997) in order to talk on the phone, it required long distance telephone service.
These long distance calls costs amazing amounts of money. Thus, every time we talked, it would be in the back of our minds that we couldn't stay on the phone forever because the long distance rates were more than what we could afford as struggling college students. I had every calling card available at that time- MCI, Sprint and AT&T.
We had so many long distance calling card bills from the long distance courtship that we were paying them off during our first year of marriage in 1998!
After experiencing so many long distance bills in my past, I was so excited when times changed regarding long distance telephone service! Now, through cell phones and through newly introduced home phone rate plans, you can have a service package in which you can make unlimited 'long-distance' calls anywhere in the continental U.S. without minute by minute charges. What a difference an unlimited plan makes!
I can now call friends and family anywhere in the country without having to be mindful or fearful of an upcoming astronomical phone bill. I don't have to hang up when I have more to say because I can't afford it. That's the benefit of the unlimited plan...talking freely at length without minutes in mind!
Our father in heaven has gifted us with an amazing communication system with Him called prayer. It is an UNLIMITED PLAN! You can't run out of minutes. Your service can never be terminated or suspended. He's given us insurance and assurance that He will always be in the business of hearing and answering our prayers.
The Unlimited Plan that God has designed for us includes:
• Unlimited Communication (Talk Time): You will never run out of minutes.
• Unlimited Coverage: Where ever you are, He's with you!
• Unlimited (Direct) Contact: You can go directly to Him.
Unlimited Communication or Talk Time is a clear benefit according to 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 which states "Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Unlimited Coverage is a definite benefit according to Psalm 139:7-10 which exclaims, "... where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me."
Unlimited Direct Contact is another obvious benefit. We don't need another person to be our 'carrier.' Since Jesus shed His blood, we can pray to directly God for ourselves! Hebrews 10:19-22 states, "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith..."
*Warning: Even with the unlimited plan, your call may get dropped if you are praying with unforgiveness in your heart, head or hands. In Mark 11:25, Jesus says, "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
There is power in prayer because it is God's Unlimited Plan for communication with us. There is no need to rush off of the line when you have the unlimited plan! Today, take the time to take advantage of the fact that when talking to God you do not have to be mindful of your minutes!
Dr. Tara Jenkins is is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as the wife of Pastor Charles Jenkins, pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Jenkins is the proud mother of three beautiful children, Princess Alexandria, Paris Victoria, and Charles Jenkins III. Dr. Jenkins is also the founder of Ministry Mates-Chicago, an organization designed to minister to Senior Pastors' wives in the Chicago-land area. For more information about Dr. Jenkins, log onto http://www.tarajenkins.org.
© Dr. Tara Jenkins all rights reserved.
When I was dating the man who is now my husband of 12 years, I was in undergraduate school in Atlanta while he was in undergraduate school in Chicago. This would be classified as a long distance relationship. During this time (around 1996 to 1997) in order to talk on the phone, it required long distance telephone service.
These long distance calls costs amazing amounts of money. Thus, every time we talked, it would be in the back of our minds that we couldn't stay on the phone forever because the long distance rates were more than what we could afford as struggling college students. I had every calling card available at that time- MCI, Sprint and AT&T.
We had so many long distance calling card bills from the long distance courtship that we were paying them off during our first year of marriage in 1998!
After experiencing so many long distance bills in my past, I was so excited when times changed regarding long distance telephone service! Now, through cell phones and through newly introduced home phone rate plans, you can have a service package in which you can make unlimited 'long-distance' calls anywhere in the continental U.S. without minute by minute charges. What a difference an unlimited plan makes!
I can now call friends and family anywhere in the country without having to be mindful or fearful of an upcoming astronomical phone bill. I don't have to hang up when I have more to say because I can't afford it. That's the benefit of the unlimited plan...talking freely at length without minutes in mind!
Our father in heaven has gifted us with an amazing communication system with Him called prayer. It is an UNLIMITED PLAN! You can't run out of minutes. Your service can never be terminated or suspended. He's given us insurance and assurance that He will always be in the business of hearing and answering our prayers.
The Unlimited Plan that God has designed for us includes:
• Unlimited Communication (Talk Time): You will never run out of minutes.
• Unlimited Coverage: Where ever you are, He's with you!
• Unlimited (Direct) Contact: You can go directly to Him.
Unlimited Communication or Talk Time is a clear benefit according to 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 which states "Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Unlimited Coverage is a definite benefit according to Psalm 139:7-10 which exclaims, "... where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me."
Unlimited Direct Contact is another obvious benefit. We don't need another person to be our 'carrier.' Since Jesus shed His blood, we can pray to directly God for ourselves! Hebrews 10:19-22 states, "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith..."
*Warning: Even with the unlimited plan, your call may get dropped if you are praying with unforgiveness in your heart, head or hands. In Mark 11:25, Jesus says, "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
There is power in prayer because it is God's Unlimited Plan for communication with us. There is no need to rush off of the line when you have the unlimited plan! Today, take the time to take advantage of the fact that when talking to God you do not have to be mindful of your minutes!
Dr. Tara Jenkins is is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as the wife of Pastor Charles Jenkins, pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Jenkins is the proud mother of three beautiful children, Princess Alexandria, Paris Victoria, and Charles Jenkins III. Dr. Jenkins is also the founder of Ministry Mates-Chicago, an organization designed to minister to Senior Pastors' wives in the Chicago-land area. For more information about Dr. Jenkins, log onto http://www.tarajenkins.org.
© Dr. Tara Jenkins all rights reserved.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Prayer Principles
David Turner
Being a Christian means that we are in a battle. Every since he fell from heaven, satan has made himself an enemy to God and to His prized creation, mankind. In Ephesians 6, our Father has given us the tools that we need to win. One of our weapons is prayer.
There are 3 principles to a successful prayer life.
There is a time to talk.
God is our source. He holds the keys to the universe in His hands. He is the Creator. When we have doubts, concerns, and questions, He is the one that we should run to. In fact, He is anxiously waiting to hear from His children. It is a shame that some of us only talk to Him before we eat or only when there is a dire emergency.
I believe that God desire to have a running, consistent, conversation with us just like He did with Adam and Eve in the garden. You shouldn't just always run to Him with your laundry list of requests. Prayer is our opportunity to tell God how much we love Him and how grateful we are for all that He has done in our lives. It is also time for us to tell Him how much we look forward to what He is going to do in the future.
We should most definitely tell God how we feel if there are things in our lives that are making us nervous or afraid. As a matter of fact, we should bring all of our burdens and concerns to Him. The great thing about this transaction is that we can bring them to Him and leave them right there. He will deal with everything that concerns us and perfect them all.
There is also a time to listen.
Conversations between two parties are usually more effective when there is only one person speaking at a time. Sometimes our problem is that we spend all of our prayer time talking. We have to tell God all about everyone and everything that has been getting on our nerves. We have to tell Him about the guy that honked his horn at us on the expressway. And we also have to tell Him about our mean boss and nosy neighbors.
We even spend a great deal of time in prayer telling God how wonderful He is and thanking Him for all His wonderful blessings. The moment we get exhausted from talking for 30 minutes straight, our time in prayer is over. We never even give God 5 seconds to talk to us.
Prayer is a 2-way street, and we have to give God ample opportunity to speak to us. We should never jump to our feet without getting some sort of response. He may not always respond in the way we want but we must give Him room to be God. Sometimes we are afraid of what the answer might be. Sometimes we jump to conclusions about what He was going to say.
There is a time to act.
Once we have brought our petitions to God and once we have given Him room to respond, we must not stop there. We must allow the connection to God through prayer to give us the strength to act upon what He has said to us. There may be a time after prayer that we may need to call a friend or loved one that we haven't spoken to in years. There also may be opportunities to witness to a co-worker.
On the flip side, there may be times of distress coming where we need to act calm and rational. Our connection with God through prayer will show us how to act peaceful. Whatever the situation may call for, like in any war or battle, we must be prepared for action.
There is an ongoing effort by our enemy to destroy us or, at the very least, hinder our progress. When we learn who we are and all the advantages we have with prayer as a weapon we can cause mountains of despair and confusion to be cast into the sea of forgetfulness. When we connect to God through prayer we maintain our status as more than conquerors. The power of prayer is our weapon of choice.
David Turner is the founder of The Success Academy and serves as an associate minister at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Joliet, Illinois. He is a writer for numerous online publications. David advises local high schools in the areas of numeracy, literacy, and disciplinary guidance. He also mentors and coaches high school students with their Life Skills and college preparation process. You can catch him on his blog at www.dturn.net.
© David Turner all rights reserved.
Being a Christian means that we are in a battle. Every since he fell from heaven, satan has made himself an enemy to God and to His prized creation, mankind. In Ephesians 6, our Father has given us the tools that we need to win. One of our weapons is prayer.
There are 3 principles to a successful prayer life.
There is a time to talk.
God is our source. He holds the keys to the universe in His hands. He is the Creator. When we have doubts, concerns, and questions, He is the one that we should run to. In fact, He is anxiously waiting to hear from His children. It is a shame that some of us only talk to Him before we eat or only when there is a dire emergency.
I believe that God desire to have a running, consistent, conversation with us just like He did with Adam and Eve in the garden. You shouldn't just always run to Him with your laundry list of requests. Prayer is our opportunity to tell God how much we love Him and how grateful we are for all that He has done in our lives. It is also time for us to tell Him how much we look forward to what He is going to do in the future.
We should most definitely tell God how we feel if there are things in our lives that are making us nervous or afraid. As a matter of fact, we should bring all of our burdens and concerns to Him. The great thing about this transaction is that we can bring them to Him and leave them right there. He will deal with everything that concerns us and perfect them all.
There is also a time to listen.
Conversations between two parties are usually more effective when there is only one person speaking at a time. Sometimes our problem is that we spend all of our prayer time talking. We have to tell God all about everyone and everything that has been getting on our nerves. We have to tell Him about the guy that honked his horn at us on the expressway. And we also have to tell Him about our mean boss and nosy neighbors.
We even spend a great deal of time in prayer telling God how wonderful He is and thanking Him for all His wonderful blessings. The moment we get exhausted from talking for 30 minutes straight, our time in prayer is over. We never even give God 5 seconds to talk to us.
Prayer is a 2-way street, and we have to give God ample opportunity to speak to us. We should never jump to our feet without getting some sort of response. He may not always respond in the way we want but we must give Him room to be God. Sometimes we are afraid of what the answer might be. Sometimes we jump to conclusions about what He was going to say.
There is a time to act.
Once we have brought our petitions to God and once we have given Him room to respond, we must not stop there. We must allow the connection to God through prayer to give us the strength to act upon what He has said to us. There may be a time after prayer that we may need to call a friend or loved one that we haven't spoken to in years. There also may be opportunities to witness to a co-worker.
On the flip side, there may be times of distress coming where we need to act calm and rational. Our connection with God through prayer will show us how to act peaceful. Whatever the situation may call for, like in any war or battle, we must be prepared for action.
There is an ongoing effort by our enemy to destroy us or, at the very least, hinder our progress. When we learn who we are and all the advantages we have with prayer as a weapon we can cause mountains of despair and confusion to be cast into the sea of forgetfulness. When we connect to God through prayer we maintain our status as more than conquerors. The power of prayer is our weapon of choice.
David Turner is the founder of The Success Academy and serves as an associate minister at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Joliet, Illinois. He is a writer for numerous online publications. David advises local high schools in the areas of numeracy, literacy, and disciplinary guidance. He also mentors and coaches high school students with their Life Skills and college preparation process. You can catch him on his blog at www.dturn.net.
© David Turner all rights reserved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)