Driving home from a hospital visit with a suffering saint I had a long talk with the Lord about the questions that were nagging at the edges of my mind. The main one, "What are You doing, Lord?" There are a couple of situations that I'm dealing with in my ministry that are stirring up the same question in me. It's not that I'm trying to make God accountable to me, that I need Him to explain His actions. If that were in my heart, I would be in sin! He doesn't answer to anyone. He is God. What I'm trying to understand is what part He wants me to take in implementing His will, if any.
Two competing views about people and the will of God come to my mind. One view of life is that God is in charge and therefore whatever happens is His will. In the extreme presentation of that view, I become a puppet on a string without choice. Another view of life is that I, alone, am responsible for what happens to me. In this view, God is present but has limited His direct involvement in the world, leaving us to work out the difficulties on our own. At the extreme of that view of free will, God becomes the 'Divine Advisor' and I become a god. The Bible tells me that God is 'sovereign,' and that I am a 'free agent.' Both statement are true, although that defies my limited logic. God is 'in charge,' and I am free to choose to participate in His purposes or to reject His will! What we usually set up as an 'either/or' situation, the Scripture teaches as a 'both/and' situation.
Take a look at this passage. God says, “O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand. If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. And if I announce that I will build up and plant a certain nation or kingdom, making it strong and great, but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless that nation as I had said I would." (Jeremiah 18:6-10, NLT) What does Jeremiah learn from the Spirit of God? That God has determined a course of action. Is that plan inevitable and unchangeable? No! God tells us that repentance turns away His declared judgment. And He says that rebellion can block His intended blessings!
Our choices are important. We are not puppets on a string, helplessly dancing as a God of inscrutable purposes pulls and twists from His throne. That is why I am praying to understand God's will, asking Him what His plans and purposes are. I want to align myself with that will, so I live contentedly in the center of it, enjoying the serenity that comes from being a part of His best plans. I don't want to sin against Him by becoming a self-willed rebel, or an angry fool that shakes a puny fist in His face because of unpleasant circumstances. Isaiah warns about an inflated sense of self and the folly that comes from a failure to submit to the sovereign God. Using the same imagery as Jeremiah, he writes - "Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, “Who sees us? Who will know?” You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “He did not make me”? Can the pot say of the potter, “He knows nothing”?" (Isaiah 29:15-16, NIV)
If we ignore either part of the equation of obedience, we will end up in error. If we look exclusively to our God-given freedom to choose, we will grow proud when life is going well, as though we alone accomplished something wonderful. And when suffering comes we will look around for someone to blame, or even sink into despair! However, if we believe that we have no responsibility, then we may fail to pray, stop seeking to be a part of His work, because we mistakenly conclude that our choices and actions are irrelevant to the outcomes we experience.
The practical implications of the twin truths of God's rule and our freedom of choice is that we can live peacefully in this world. When difficult situations arise in our lives or in the world around us, we run to the One who is unchanging, 'the same yesterday, today, and forever.' We take solace from His promise that He will never leave us, never forsake us. But we do not stop seeking to bring the Kingdom of God into those situations. We pray for change. We present ourselves to Him, and discipline ourselves so that His purposes are not hindered by our self-will. The Believer's focus is always on seeking God, even as the Spirit works to strengthen our faith.
Believer, the question that we should ask when confronted with conflict, sickness, and suffering is not best framed as 'why is this happening?' but rather as, 'what are You asking of me, Lord?'
If He wills that we go through the fire to refine our character, we can walk through it with peace.
If He wants to lead us to repentance, it is imperative that we respond quickly!
If His desire is to make us a living example of His grace, then our momentary sufferings become a thing of glory, the pain we experience inconsequential compared to the privilege of being used in His plans.
"Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I have come to you in prayer.
Save me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing." (Psalm 143:8-10, NLT) Amen
Friday, August 25, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Encourage -
One from the archives....
Encourage-
-- To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; hearten.
-- To give support, to foster growing or development
________________________
When a person leaves an encounter with you, have you added value to his life, or taken something away?
I find that some people consistently bring a lift to me when we converse. Others whine or criticize or moan, and leave me feeling depleted!
Now, I don't mean to suggest that we all must become 'sunny, radiant, always speaking positive things' kind of people, because that's not really possible.
But, overall, I believe a worthwhile goal for us is that, by God's help, we learn to be encouragers.
In October, 1977, at a time in my life when I was trying hard to develop a ministry in a new place, I met Tom Johnson, a generous soul and one of the best encouragers I've ever known. He knew I needed a job that allowed me some flexibility in schedule, so I could also do ministry work. So, one day he took me to meet his supervisor, told that man that I was a good guy, then quit on the spot, recommending me for his job! Tom believed I needed the job and its benefits for my family more than he did! His actions encouraged me in my quest to serve God in a difficult time of testing of faith.
Are you an encouraging Believer? Are you looking for opportunities to lend courage, hope, and confidence to others?
Christ Jesus calls on us to active caring. It isn't enough to passively love each other. Our love must find ways to be expressed.
Romans 12:8-10 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! . . . And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. . . Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Hebrews 10:24 Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.
Let me plant some practical suggestions in your mind of ways you might be an encourager today:
a. Send a note of sincere appreciation to someone who has served you sacrificially.b. Take note of a person who's work is 'behind the scenes' and sincerely compliment their efforts.
c. Offer to pray with a friend that seems overwhelmed by life, then pray a positive prayer full of words of blessing. (Careful, don't preach while you pray!)
d. Roll up your sleeves and practically lift someone's burden for a couple of hours; mow their lawn, watch their kids, cook their dinner, or take them to a movie.
e. Actively listen if someone opens their heart without offering any advice. Let them unburden their heart to you. Let your eyes and posture say, "I really do care!"
The world is full of critics. It is easy to point out another's flaws. It is often easy to 'see' (in our self-important opinion, anyway) why our brother or sister is in that situation. "Well, if she would just.... " Can the criticism. It doesn't help. A preacher once told me, "Just about anyone can do demolition, but it takes real skill to be a builder!"
Today, pray that the Lord will make you a skillful builder of others...1 Thessalonians 5:11 Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Encourage-
-- To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; hearten.
-- To give support, to foster growing or development
________________________
When a person leaves an encounter with you, have you added value to his life, or taken something away?
I find that some people consistently bring a lift to me when we converse. Others whine or criticize or moan, and leave me feeling depleted!
Now, I don't mean to suggest that we all must become 'sunny, radiant, always speaking positive things' kind of people, because that's not really possible.
But, overall, I believe a worthwhile goal for us is that, by God's help, we learn to be encouragers.
In October, 1977, at a time in my life when I was trying hard to develop a ministry in a new place, I met Tom Johnson, a generous soul and one of the best encouragers I've ever known. He knew I needed a job that allowed me some flexibility in schedule, so I could also do ministry work. So, one day he took me to meet his supervisor, told that man that I was a good guy, then quit on the spot, recommending me for his job! Tom believed I needed the job and its benefits for my family more than he did! His actions encouraged me in my quest to serve God in a difficult time of testing of faith.
Are you an encouraging Believer? Are you looking for opportunities to lend courage, hope, and confidence to others?
Christ Jesus calls on us to active caring. It isn't enough to passively love each other. Our love must find ways to be expressed.
Romans 12:8-10 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! . . . And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. . . Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Hebrews 10:24 Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.
Let me plant some practical suggestions in your mind of ways you might be an encourager today:
a. Send a note of sincere appreciation to someone who has served you sacrificially.b. Take note of a person who's work is 'behind the scenes' and sincerely compliment their efforts.
c. Offer to pray with a friend that seems overwhelmed by life, then pray a positive prayer full of words of blessing. (Careful, don't preach while you pray!)
d. Roll up your sleeves and practically lift someone's burden for a couple of hours; mow their lawn, watch their kids, cook their dinner, or take them to a movie.
e. Actively listen if someone opens their heart without offering any advice. Let them unburden their heart to you. Let your eyes and posture say, "I really do care!"
The world is full of critics. It is easy to point out another's flaws. It is often easy to 'see' (in our self-important opinion, anyway) why our brother or sister is in that situation. "Well, if she would just.... " Can the criticism. It doesn't help. A preacher once told me, "Just about anyone can do demolition, but it takes real skill to be a builder!"
Today, pray that the Lord will make you a skillful builder of others...1 Thessalonians 5:11 Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Consideration - a basic Christian quality
Humans can be puzzling, can't they? The whys and wherefores of behavior can be difficult to discern. Getting to the real need, what's actually going on under the surface, demands patience. But, time and again in my dealing with people, I re-discover that when I take time to try to understand the needs and desires of others, to fit their actions into the context of their emotional needs, conflict is replaced with cooperation. By way of illustration I can point to my little grandsons. When they were visiting here last week, they would become hard to handle, whiny, and even defiant in the late afternoon if they didn't get a naptime. Their real need was not discipline, it was rest! Once Bev and I understood that, we became proactive in getting them to rest right after lunch. By providing for the real need, rest, we took care of much of the 'discipline' problems that otherwise appeared around 5 pm.
Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, puts consideration down as habit number 5 and states it this way - "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." He observes that most of us listen to the words of others but not empathetically, that is, to really hear them. We listen with the intent to reply. Even while they're speaking, we are starting to formulate our answer. What inevitably happens in that communication pattern? We get only part of the message before we stop listening, and the other person senses they are not being heard. The other communication problem Covey points out that keeps us from really getting the message is that we listen autobiographically. The other person's words run through our brain and get filtered through our experiences. We assume they are thinking like we think, that their attitudes are the same as our attitudes.
We can learn to listen with understanding, but it takes effort, patience, and practice. One very valuable way (though it often irritates others) is to rephrase what they are saying. We can respond like this - "So, if I understand you, you're telling me...." Or we can actually ask for clarity of the emotive content of the message, saying something like - "I hear you saying this, but it seems that you're searching for ..." If done gently, such simple techniques provide the context for consideration and understanding.
So, are you smiling at this little communication lesson? Actually, it is a basic part of Christian living to understand others in a way that allows you and me to meet their needs! Jesus said, “Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7:12, NLT) In another context, He said, "...you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31, NLT) Imagine the kind of relationships we would enjoy IF we actually put that into practice consistently? How would it change your relationship with your spouse if you took the time to really understand, instead of expecting that your needs would always be met? How would it transform your friendships at church if you were really empathetic, making the effort to see beneath the surface?
Peter urges Christian husbands to "dwell with them (your wives) according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife." (1 Peter 3:7, KJV) The NIV says, "Be considerate." In other words, take time to listen and understand, so you can address the real needs of the person you love. The principle can be broadened to all of our relationships.
So, let's do an experiment today. When you are getting frustrated with someone or you are presented with a problem by another person, instead of letting yourself get angry, choose to become a detective.
Begin to listen carefully. Explore the situation. Pray for insight. As you uncover the real need, begin to meet it. In that action, you will be showing Christ-like love and honoring the Lord of Life, who loved us while we were still sinners, and took action to meet our greatest need.
"Lord, in a world marked by conflict,
from nations making war, to families torn apart by anger,
people who love and who bring peace are needed.
I want to be one of those people. Spirit of God, make me a peace-maker!
Fill me with wisdom and insight. Grant me patient love.
Take away harsh judgment that quickly condemns, replacing it with the gentle spirit
you showed when confronted with ordinary sinners.
Let me fulfill your royal law by loving others more than I love myself.
In the Name of Jesus, who loved me.
Amen."
Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, puts consideration down as habit number 5 and states it this way - "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." He observes that most of us listen to the words of others but not empathetically, that is, to really hear them. We listen with the intent to reply. Even while they're speaking, we are starting to formulate our answer. What inevitably happens in that communication pattern? We get only part of the message before we stop listening, and the other person senses they are not being heard. The other communication problem Covey points out that keeps us from really getting the message is that we listen autobiographically. The other person's words run through our brain and get filtered through our experiences. We assume they are thinking like we think, that their attitudes are the same as our attitudes.
We can learn to listen with understanding, but it takes effort, patience, and practice. One very valuable way (though it often irritates others) is to rephrase what they are saying. We can respond like this - "So, if I understand you, you're telling me...." Or we can actually ask for clarity of the emotive content of the message, saying something like - "I hear you saying this, but it seems that you're searching for ..." If done gently, such simple techniques provide the context for consideration and understanding.
So, are you smiling at this little communication lesson? Actually, it is a basic part of Christian living to understand others in a way that allows you and me to meet their needs! Jesus said, “Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7:12, NLT) In another context, He said, "...you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31, NLT) Imagine the kind of relationships we would enjoy IF we actually put that into practice consistently? How would it change your relationship with your spouse if you took the time to really understand, instead of expecting that your needs would always be met? How would it transform your friendships at church if you were really empathetic, making the effort to see beneath the surface?
Peter urges Christian husbands to "dwell with them (your wives) according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife." (1 Peter 3:7, KJV) The NIV says, "Be considerate." In other words, take time to listen and understand, so you can address the real needs of the person you love. The principle can be broadened to all of our relationships.
So, let's do an experiment today. When you are getting frustrated with someone or you are presented with a problem by another person, instead of letting yourself get angry, choose to become a detective.
Begin to listen carefully. Explore the situation. Pray for insight. As you uncover the real need, begin to meet it. In that action, you will be showing Christ-like love and honoring the Lord of Life, who loved us while we were still sinners, and took action to meet our greatest need.
"Lord, in a world marked by conflict,
from nations making war, to families torn apart by anger,
people who love and who bring peace are needed.
I want to be one of those people. Spirit of God, make me a peace-maker!
Fill me with wisdom and insight. Grant me patient love.
Take away harsh judgment that quickly condemns, replacing it with the gentle spirit
you showed when confronted with ordinary sinners.
Let me fulfill your royal law by loving others more than I love myself.
In the Name of Jesus, who loved me.
Amen."
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Measuring success
Ever hear of Dennis Kozlowski? In June, 2005 he was convicted on numerous counts in Federal courts involving fraud and theft of millions of dollars from Tyco, International. Here's the amazing thing. Kozlowski was legally compensated with over $500 million (not that's not a typo) by the company he headed from 1992 to 2002. Under his leadership Tyco was a prosperous company that paid shareholders well. The board rewarded his efforts by making him one of the best paid CEO's in America, but it wasn't enough! Was that because this man from a poor section of Newark, NJ, who grew up hungry to be rich, somehow couldn't stretch $500 million to feed his lifestyle? No, it wasn't any material need that drove his efforts. It was a spiritual need, a hunger for a meaningful life. You see, dollars and things were the indicators of a man's worth to Dennis Kozlowski. So, he always needed more to prove to himself and the world that he was 'the man!'
In his book, The Good Life, Chuck Colson writes about another business wizard, Jack Welch. As head of GE, Welch made the company profitable beyond anybody's dreams. He was and is an icon among business leaders in America. His efforts were rewarded with great wealth, but the emptiness of Welch's heart became obvious after he glimpsed his mortality following open heart surgery. Colson reports that when Welch was asked if he had come to any revelations as a result of his crisis. Welch replied, "I didn't spend enough money..... wine that costs under $100 will never cross my lips again." He was serious!
If we measure life's worth by the size of the pile of things around us, ours will be a pathetic, and ultimately meaningless, existence. Most of us will nod in agreement with that statement, but our actions give the lie to our words. In truth, most Americans, including Believers, define a good life by the amount of money they have and the freedom to pursue their own happiness. A woman I know recently left a job in corporate America to take a job in a ministry setting. Her choice meant taking about a 60% pay cut and leaving behind a generous benefit package. Her choice mystifies most people, even Christians. "Why would she do that? Doesn't she understand that she is putting her financial future in jeopardy? Is she really thinking about the long term costs in this?" - are all questions I've heard asked about her decision. Yes, she is really thinking and I know that she actually believes the words of Jesus about laying up treasure in Heaven are true, not just poetic. Sure, she won't be able to take vacations to the Caribbean and she'll drive an older car. Her 401(k) account won't be growing, but her heavenly account will. And her child will most likely see that Mom's faith isn't just words, causing him to consider his own choices about serving the Lord!
Jesus once told a story about seeds that fell into different places; the hard pathway where they could not germinate, the shallow soil that could not sustain life, and the rich soil that caused them to grow and produce a rich harvest. He also said this - "The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything." (Matthew 13:22, CEV) Does that describe many of us? Have we heard the good news of Christ and received it with joy, only to return to the same empty life built around getting things and worrying about financial security?
How do you measure success? Is it by the size of your house, the amount of your money, the style of your clothing, or the model of your car? Is being 'cool' important to you? OR, have you chosen to pursue God's rewards, measuring your success by faithfulness to Him, by your willingness to live in obedience to Him and serve others?
Don't read a false conclusion here! Not every Christian has to abandon his job to take a position in ministry to find a meaningful life! We're not all called to be Pastors or to work in para-church ministries to please the Lord. That's not the point of this TFTD. But we are all called to serve Christ wherever we are. Colson penned a line that bears repeating - "The workbench, the kitchen counter, the computer station, or any other workplace is an altar." (The Good Life, page 83) The Bible urges us to "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (Colossians 3:23, NLT) The measure of success is God's approval. His approval comes when we live in His ways. His ways, Jesus said, are defined with two basic commands - "Love God wholeheartedly, and love your neighbor as yourself."
Is a life worth living within reach for you? Yes!
But, don't be deceived by contemporary standards, trapped by thinking that happiness will arrive with a bigger check or some new possession.
Ask God to work in you deeply, changing your heart and mind, so that you think in a godly way. Make the small decisions today to live in ways that reflect that He is Lord of all of your life.
You will begin to experience joy and life with meaning.
____________________________
Out on the highways and byways of life,
Many are the weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Make me a blessing, make me a blessing;
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Give as 'twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.
Make Me A Blessing - Ira B. Wilson
In his book, The Good Life, Chuck Colson writes about another business wizard, Jack Welch. As head of GE, Welch made the company profitable beyond anybody's dreams. He was and is an icon among business leaders in America. His efforts were rewarded with great wealth, but the emptiness of Welch's heart became obvious after he glimpsed his mortality following open heart surgery. Colson reports that when Welch was asked if he had come to any revelations as a result of his crisis. Welch replied, "I didn't spend enough money..... wine that costs under $100 will never cross my lips again." He was serious!
If we measure life's worth by the size of the pile of things around us, ours will be a pathetic, and ultimately meaningless, existence. Most of us will nod in agreement with that statement, but our actions give the lie to our words. In truth, most Americans, including Believers, define a good life by the amount of money they have and the freedom to pursue their own happiness. A woman I know recently left a job in corporate America to take a job in a ministry setting. Her choice meant taking about a 60% pay cut and leaving behind a generous benefit package. Her choice mystifies most people, even Christians. "Why would she do that? Doesn't she understand that she is putting her financial future in jeopardy? Is she really thinking about the long term costs in this?" - are all questions I've heard asked about her decision. Yes, she is really thinking and I know that she actually believes the words of Jesus about laying up treasure in Heaven are true, not just poetic. Sure, she won't be able to take vacations to the Caribbean and she'll drive an older car. Her 401(k) account won't be growing, but her heavenly account will. And her child will most likely see that Mom's faith isn't just words, causing him to consider his own choices about serving the Lord!
Jesus once told a story about seeds that fell into different places; the hard pathway where they could not germinate, the shallow soil that could not sustain life, and the rich soil that caused them to grow and produce a rich harvest. He also said this - "The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything." (Matthew 13:22, CEV) Does that describe many of us? Have we heard the good news of Christ and received it with joy, only to return to the same empty life built around getting things and worrying about financial security?
How do you measure success? Is it by the size of your house, the amount of your money, the style of your clothing, or the model of your car? Is being 'cool' important to you? OR, have you chosen to pursue God's rewards, measuring your success by faithfulness to Him, by your willingness to live in obedience to Him and serve others?
Don't read a false conclusion here! Not every Christian has to abandon his job to take a position in ministry to find a meaningful life! We're not all called to be Pastors or to work in para-church ministries to please the Lord. That's not the point of this TFTD. But we are all called to serve Christ wherever we are. Colson penned a line that bears repeating - "The workbench, the kitchen counter, the computer station, or any other workplace is an altar." (The Good Life, page 83) The Bible urges us to "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (Colossians 3:23, NLT) The measure of success is God's approval. His approval comes when we live in His ways. His ways, Jesus said, are defined with two basic commands - "Love God wholeheartedly, and love your neighbor as yourself."
Is a life worth living within reach for you? Yes!
But, don't be deceived by contemporary standards, trapped by thinking that happiness will arrive with a bigger check or some new possession.
Ask God to work in you deeply, changing your heart and mind, so that you think in a godly way. Make the small decisions today to live in ways that reflect that He is Lord of all of your life.
You will begin to experience joy and life with meaning.
____________________________
Out on the highways and byways of life,
Many are the weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Make me a blessing, make me a blessing;
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Give as 'twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.
Make Me A Blessing - Ira B. Wilson
Monday, August 21, 2006
The Privilege of Prayer
Prayer meetings are not usually the more well-attended functions at churches. I'm sure there are many reasons for that. Maybe it's the constant repetition of the same, "Lord, bless Charles" kind of prayers that are often the staple of such meetings. Maybe the reason people stay away is unbelief - "What good will it do, anyway?" Then, too, it may be the low view of God that grips even many Believers with a kind of evangelical deism - "God lives in His Heaven and left me to take care of myself on this earth."- that leads to a rather perfunctory prayer life.
Last night in our church we had a prayer meeting! About 75 people came together with expectant hearts, open minds, and a focus on the Majesty of the Lord. We worshipped - fervently, not foolishly. We didn't pray the same tired prayers of holy resignation. We boldly asked God to give us a breakout church, to equip those who minister with the power of the Spirit, to use us a spark that would ignite a fire in this region and to our world. And the Presence of God met us in a sweet way. We loved Him and He loved us in return. I left the church house wonderfully encouraged!
Believer, do you hold prayer meetings in your life?
Do you, from time to time, go beyond the meal time prayers, beyond the quick - "Jesus help me" emergency prayers, to spend time with God?
This privilege is neglected by so many. What a tragic loss. If you're not praying, let me encourage you to begin. Don't be afraid that you won't do it right. Prayer is intensely personal. There is no right way. I often pray lying flat on my face. Is that for everyone? Of course not, but for me it is a physical way to express my humility before the Lord. I seldom speak above a murmur in my private prayers, even when alone. Is that the only way to express prayer? No. Some pray loudly with tears. God is not nervous, so I'm sure the volume does not bother him. Of course, He's not deaf either! Sometimes I just sit quietly for 15 minutes, wordlessly presenting myself to God. Other times I sing. My point is that you can pray in a way that suits your situation and your personality. God loves to hear from you. Maybe your best prayers will be on your fishing boat, when you're far from shore - alone with your thoughts and your God. Maybe your best prayers will be in your car, or in the woods as you hike, or in your bedroom, behind a closed door.
We simply need to pray. The simple directive of the Scripture is "pray without ceasing!" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV) Do not be frustrated by 'unanswered' prayers. Truth is that as you pray, you will learn to pray better, more in line with the mind of the God. You will learn to agree with Him, to sense His will, to walk closer to Him through daily life. The Word tells us to "Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way." (James 1:6-7, The Message) No, that passage is not teaching us to be presumptive, brats in the family of God who demand our own way, who throw tantrums in our prayers in a silly attempt to get an answer. It tells us that we can pray confident prayers based on the Father's love for us, on His desire to work in our lives. Then, as His children, we trust Him when the answer is "no," as much as we love Him when the answer is "Yes."
In our prayer meeting last night, this song was sung - beautifully, movingly. Meditate on it today.
Welcomed in to the courts of the King,
I’ve been ushered into Your presence.
Lord, I stand on Your merciful ground,
Yet with every step tread with reverence.
Chorus:
And I'll fall face down,
As Your glory shines around!
Yes, I'll fall face down,
As Your glory shines around!
Who is there in the heavens like You,
And upon the earth, who's Your equal?
You are far above, Your the highest of highs,
We are bowing down to exalt You!
Bridge:
So, let Your glory shine around;
Let Your glory shine around;
King of glory here be found, King of glory!
Face Down
Words and Music by, Matt Redman © 2004 Thankyou Music CCLI# 2646749
Amen.
Last night in our church we had a prayer meeting! About 75 people came together with expectant hearts, open minds, and a focus on the Majesty of the Lord. We worshipped - fervently, not foolishly. We didn't pray the same tired prayers of holy resignation. We boldly asked God to give us a breakout church, to equip those who minister with the power of the Spirit, to use us a spark that would ignite a fire in this region and to our world. And the Presence of God met us in a sweet way. We loved Him and He loved us in return. I left the church house wonderfully encouraged!
Believer, do you hold prayer meetings in your life?
Do you, from time to time, go beyond the meal time prayers, beyond the quick - "Jesus help me" emergency prayers, to spend time with God?
This privilege is neglected by so many. What a tragic loss. If you're not praying, let me encourage you to begin. Don't be afraid that you won't do it right. Prayer is intensely personal. There is no right way. I often pray lying flat on my face. Is that for everyone? Of course not, but for me it is a physical way to express my humility before the Lord. I seldom speak above a murmur in my private prayers, even when alone. Is that the only way to express prayer? No. Some pray loudly with tears. God is not nervous, so I'm sure the volume does not bother him. Of course, He's not deaf either! Sometimes I just sit quietly for 15 minutes, wordlessly presenting myself to God. Other times I sing. My point is that you can pray in a way that suits your situation and your personality. God loves to hear from you. Maybe your best prayers will be on your fishing boat, when you're far from shore - alone with your thoughts and your God. Maybe your best prayers will be in your car, or in the woods as you hike, or in your bedroom, behind a closed door.
We simply need to pray. The simple directive of the Scripture is "pray without ceasing!" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV) Do not be frustrated by 'unanswered' prayers. Truth is that as you pray, you will learn to pray better, more in line with the mind of the God. You will learn to agree with Him, to sense His will, to walk closer to Him through daily life. The Word tells us to "Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way." (James 1:6-7, The Message) No, that passage is not teaching us to be presumptive, brats in the family of God who demand our own way, who throw tantrums in our prayers in a silly attempt to get an answer. It tells us that we can pray confident prayers based on the Father's love for us, on His desire to work in our lives. Then, as His children, we trust Him when the answer is "no," as much as we love Him when the answer is "Yes."
In our prayer meeting last night, this song was sung - beautifully, movingly. Meditate on it today.
Welcomed in to the courts of the King,
I’ve been ushered into Your presence.
Lord, I stand on Your merciful ground,
Yet with every step tread with reverence.
Chorus:
And I'll fall face down,
As Your glory shines around!
Yes, I'll fall face down,
As Your glory shines around!
Who is there in the heavens like You,
And upon the earth, who's Your equal?
You are far above, Your the highest of highs,
We are bowing down to exalt You!
Bridge:
So, let Your glory shine around;
Let Your glory shine around;
King of glory here be found, King of glory!
Face Down
Words and Music by, Matt Redman © 2004 Thankyou Music CCLI# 2646749
Amen.
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