One of the saddest sections in the Bible to me is the first half of 1 Kings. This story starts strong with Solomon becoming king and praying for wisdom. The temple is built and furnished because God has selected Jerusalem as the place He will dwell. Solomon's prayer of dedication and the sacrifices he makes and God's response to them is inspiring. God pours out His blessing on Solomon so that he is the wisest - and richest - man in the world. All Israel sees peace and prosperity like never before.
But then Solomon grows old. And because he had sinned by marrying women God had forbidden, those women enticed Solomon away from God to worship the gods of their ancestors. This sin angered the Lord and He tore the kingdom away from Solomon. This tearing away also tore apart the country and Israel became a divided kingdom during the reign of Solomon's son.
After this division, Asa King of Judah reigned 41 years and "the heart of Asa was wholly true to the Lord all his days". In Israel, however, king after king "did evil in the sight of the Lord". There is war and betrayal and murder. One king ruled only 7 days before being murdered.
And it all started because Solomon did not finish well. So that is a huge question for me as I get older. How will I finish? Will I finish well or go down in flames of disgrace taking family and friends with me?
It might be easy to think I'm not anyone special like Solomon; I'm no ruler, no one particularly important. But I do have influence on those around me, on my children and grandchildren, on people I work and volunteer with, on those who cross my path by God's design. So it is important, not only for my sake but for those around me, that I finish well.
And how DO I finish well? Bible and prayer; prayer and Bible. Along with loving friends who are following Christ too and are willing to speak truth into my life.
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Missing Link
This is not some scientific treatise on the origins of man but rather the missing link in my life in my relationship with God. That missing link is prayer.
It's not that I don't pray because I do. Prayer is just hard. I don't know why that is. Well, maybe I do. There is great power in prayer. So the enemy tries to distract me, to take away my focus. But I voice thank yous to God for all sorts of things and I pray for those whose names and faces cross my mind. Some form of prayer crosses my mind or my lips every day but concentrated, intentional prayer is not something I engage in on a regular basis.
Prayer doesn't have to be on my knees or with tears or with anguish of soul but sometimes it should be. Maybe I'm just too casual in my relationship with God. Kneeling in submission before a king or ruler is not something an American child learns. We're taught to grab hold of what we want, go for the gold, fight for our rights, pull ourselves up. But that doesn't work with the sovereign Lord, the King of kings, the Creator of the universe.
He doesn't ask me to grovel at His feet; He is my Father and His love for me is boundless. But He does expect me to honor Him above any human level of honor. He expects me to talk (pray) with Him - not TO Him all the time but WITH Him - giving Him opportunity to speak to me. He wants to encourage, strengthen, comfort, guide, support and care for me as only a father - a perfect Father - can. He wants me to live my life in complete trust of His grace and mercy and goodness toward me no matter what my circumstance may be.
The greatest part of the missing link of prayer for me is a lack of urgency, a sense of there's not much time. There is a complacency in me toward those I know who don't know Jesus. What else could it be if I am not willing to stand in the gap for them? If I am not willing to cry out with anguish of heart for God to save them?
It's not that I don't pray because I do. Prayer is just hard. I don't know why that is. Well, maybe I do. There is great power in prayer. So the enemy tries to distract me, to take away my focus. But I voice thank yous to God for all sorts of things and I pray for those whose names and faces cross my mind. Some form of prayer crosses my mind or my lips every day but concentrated, intentional prayer is not something I engage in on a regular basis.
Prayer doesn't have to be on my knees or with tears or with anguish of soul but sometimes it should be. Maybe I'm just too casual in my relationship with God. Kneeling in submission before a king or ruler is not something an American child learns. We're taught to grab hold of what we want, go for the gold, fight for our rights, pull ourselves up. But that doesn't work with the sovereign Lord, the King of kings, the Creator of the universe.
He doesn't ask me to grovel at His feet; He is my Father and His love for me is boundless. But He does expect me to honor Him above any human level of honor. He expects me to talk (pray) with Him - not TO Him all the time but WITH Him - giving Him opportunity to speak to me. He wants to encourage, strengthen, comfort, guide, support and care for me as only a father - a perfect Father - can. He wants me to live my life in complete trust of His grace and mercy and goodness toward me no matter what my circumstance may be.
The greatest part of the missing link of prayer for me is a lack of urgency, a sense of there's not much time. There is a complacency in me toward those I know who don't know Jesus. What else could it be if I am not willing to stand in the gap for them? If I am not willing to cry out with anguish of heart for God to save them?
Monday, June 27, 2011
My Prayer for America
"Restore us, O God; let Your face shine, that we might be saved!" Psalm 80:3
In no way do I believe that God broke His covenant with Israel as His chosen people and made America that chosen people and chosen land. When Jesus returns it will not be to New York or Los Angeles or even middle America, it will be to Jerusalem.
But I do believe that the blessings of God were upon this land for many, many years because we were faithful in proclaiming His name AND living by His precepts. I recently watched a PBS special on the Palomar Observatory and George Hale who was the brain child behind it. When the 200" telescope - the largest in the world at that time - was used for the first time in 1949, the reporter said the stars in God's universe were more numerous that the grains of sand on all the beaches of earth. There was an understanding at that time that there is a Creator behind it all. But not anymore.
One of the interesting things about Psalm 80 is the progression of desperation for God to hear and to act. The psalmist starts out praying "O God;" then he goes to "O God of hosts;"(verse 7) and finally "O Lord God of hosts!" with an exclamation mark. America is in a desperate situation; we are in need of the exclamation mark, so I pray "Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let Your face shine, that we might be saved!" Psalm 80:19
In no way do I believe that God broke His covenant with Israel as His chosen people and made America that chosen people and chosen land. When Jesus returns it will not be to New York or Los Angeles or even middle America, it will be to Jerusalem.
But I do believe that the blessings of God were upon this land for many, many years because we were faithful in proclaiming His name AND living by His precepts. I recently watched a PBS special on the Palomar Observatory and George Hale who was the brain child behind it. When the 200" telescope - the largest in the world at that time - was used for the first time in 1949, the reporter said the stars in God's universe were more numerous that the grains of sand on all the beaches of earth. There was an understanding at that time that there is a Creator behind it all. But not anymore.
One of the interesting things about Psalm 80 is the progression of desperation for God to hear and to act. The psalmist starts out praying "O God;" then he goes to "O God of hosts;"(verse 7) and finally "O Lord God of hosts!" with an exclamation mark. America is in a desperate situation; we are in need of the exclamation mark, so I pray "Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let Your face shine, that we might be saved!" Psalm 80:19
Monday, May 9, 2011
Mother's Day
We had a great day at NewSpring yesterday. In years past we have given away houses and cars and college scholarships to single moms of all ages and life situations. This year was different.
This year Perry wanted to honor his mom. She died of cancer when he was 12 but believes that her prayers and her influence are part of the reason he is following Jesus and leading a great church today. (He even wore a suit and tie and preached from her "King Jimmy" Bible.)
I can certainly identify with that. I wandered in the desert as a prodigal for 18 long years. My mom always prayed for me - and told me so. But I was running so hard from God that I would tell her not to waste her time. How grateful I am that she didn't listen to me. I am absolutely convinced that the prayers of my mom played a huge roll in my eventual repentance and surrender to Jesus as Lord.
Now my own son, who followed in my footsteps as a prodigal, is on his journey with Jesus. I have prayed for him over the years and now I pray that his children will not take the path of rebellion but will always walk with Jesus.
My family, including extended family, had a long history of walking with God - until I came along. I want this cycle to come to an end. I started it and Jeremy followed it but Nate and Arabella don't have to. I pray for them to walk faithfully with Jesus, to confess and repent of their sins promptly, to do the right thing even when it is hard, to maintain their sexual purity, to grow in favor with God and man.
This year Perry wanted to honor his mom. She died of cancer when he was 12 but believes that her prayers and her influence are part of the reason he is following Jesus and leading a great church today. (He even wore a suit and tie and preached from her "King Jimmy" Bible.)
I can certainly identify with that. I wandered in the desert as a prodigal for 18 long years. My mom always prayed for me - and told me so. But I was running so hard from God that I would tell her not to waste her time. How grateful I am that she didn't listen to me. I am absolutely convinced that the prayers of my mom played a huge roll in my eventual repentance and surrender to Jesus as Lord.
Now my own son, who followed in my footsteps as a prodigal, is on his journey with Jesus. I have prayed for him over the years and now I pray that his children will not take the path of rebellion but will always walk with Jesus.
My family, including extended family, had a long history of walking with God - until I came along. I want this cycle to come to an end. I started it and Jeremy followed it but Nate and Arabella don't have to. I pray for them to walk faithfully with Jesus, to confess and repent of their sins promptly, to do the right thing even when it is hard, to maintain their sexual purity, to grow in favor with God and man.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
An Easter Story
A brief story from NewSpring Church, Columbia Campus...two guys came to church Friday night and got saved. That's not unusual at NewSpring BUT these guys saw a bunch of policemen and thought it was a police checkpoint. (The police were actually just directing traffic because of the crowds at the church.)
So these two guys wanted desperately to avoid a checkpoint and turned into the parking lot of a place they could tell people were going to something. They didn't know it was a church or church service. Then the NewSpring parkers parked their car, the greeters welcomed them, and they were invited into the church to have a seat. They sat on the back row but stayed for the entire service and heard Perry preach a powerful gospel message. At the end of the service he asked people to pray to receive Christ and then stand to their feet if they had done that. Both these guys stood up because Jesus was at work in their hearts.
And by the way, they are not even from Columbia; they never heard of NewSpring. In fact they are not even from South Carolina. These men were on the road from Texas. Praise God for His amazing grace!
Haven't heard a total number of salvations this Easter but through Friday there were over 100. Greenville had its first two services yesterday, Saturday, and more that 30 people gave their lives to Jesus.
I thank God for bringing me to this church and allowing me to be part of what He is doing through NewSpring in South Carolina and beyond through our web services. Now to head back to Greenville for 3 more services on this beautiful Easter Sunday morning. He's alive! Hallelujah! Amen!
So these two guys wanted desperately to avoid a checkpoint and turned into the parking lot of a place they could tell people were going to something. They didn't know it was a church or church service. Then the NewSpring parkers parked their car, the greeters welcomed them, and they were invited into the church to have a seat. They sat on the back row but stayed for the entire service and heard Perry preach a powerful gospel message. At the end of the service he asked people to pray to receive Christ and then stand to their feet if they had done that. Both these guys stood up because Jesus was at work in their hearts.
And by the way, they are not even from Columbia; they never heard of NewSpring. In fact they are not even from South Carolina. These men were on the road from Texas. Praise God for His amazing grace!
Haven't heard a total number of salvations this Easter but through Friday there were over 100. Greenville had its first two services yesterday, Saturday, and more that 30 people gave their lives to Jesus.
I thank God for bringing me to this church and allowing me to be part of what He is doing through NewSpring in South Carolina and beyond through our web services. Now to head back to Greenville for 3 more services on this beautiful Easter Sunday morning. He's alive! Hallelujah! Amen!
Friday, April 22, 2011
My Soul Thirsts for You
When I woke up this morning Psalm 63 was running through my thoughts. So I got up and read it and really couldn't get much beyond the first verse because I kept coming back to it.
"O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
And I was troubled in my spirit. God IS my God but that is so easy to say. Even people who don't have any particular kind of faith or belief will spout "O my god" when they encounter something unexpected. (The little "g" is intentional because I don't believe they are speaking to my God - the Creator of heaven and earth and the Father of my Lord.)
But earnestly seeking, thirsting, longing for God...is that characteristic of my life? I wish it were true of every day of my life but it is not. I read my Bible, I pray, I read books and blogs by Christian authors but that may not be EARNESTLY seeking; that is not necessarily thirsting and longing for GOD.
Maybe I'm just seeking knowledge about God rather than God Himself. Maybe I'm looking for a good feeling. Maybe I want the satisfaction of doing the right thing.
Make me thirsty, Lord. Give me a longing for You. Help me to seek YOU as a person - my Father, my Savior, my Lord. O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You, my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Amen
"O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."
And I was troubled in my spirit. God IS my God but that is so easy to say. Even people who don't have any particular kind of faith or belief will spout "O my god" when they encounter something unexpected. (The little "g" is intentional because I don't believe they are speaking to my God - the Creator of heaven and earth and the Father of my Lord.)
But earnestly seeking, thirsting, longing for God...is that characteristic of my life? I wish it were true of every day of my life but it is not. I read my Bible, I pray, I read books and blogs by Christian authors but that may not be EARNESTLY seeking; that is not necessarily thirsting and longing for GOD.
Maybe I'm just seeking knowledge about God rather than God Himself. Maybe I'm looking for a good feeling. Maybe I want the satisfaction of doing the right thing.
Make me thirsty, Lord. Give me a longing for You. Help me to seek YOU as a person - my Father, my Savior, my Lord. O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You, my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Amen
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Lord's Name
I heard a radio preacher last night talking about the Ten Commandments. He was speaking on the 3rd commandment - "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." (Exodus 20:7)
I've always thought of this more as the anti-profanity rule. Don't use God's name to damn people or things; don't use God or Jesus as any type of expletive; don't use OMG - all those casual, careless uses of the names God or Jesus. Last night this man spoke of carrying the name of God but living a life of hypocrisy. I had never thought of that as taking the Lord's name in vain.
There is a difference between being a Christian who sins and being a sinful Christian. Because we are human, we will sin, even when we belong to Christ. We will be angry or rude or unjust or unforgiving or lie or prideful or something just because we are still imperfect people in an imperfect world. We should, however, feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit and confess any sin immediately.
That is different from claiming to belong to Christ and openly living a life of sin, with no desire to admit to or confess sin or to leave that lifestyle we're living. I once walked the road of the prodigal daughter and it was many years before I submitted to the conviction of sin and sought forgiveness. During that time, I would have told anyone that I was a Christian because I was. I even went to church periodically; I just didn't have any use for God and His rules.
It's been 28 years since my relationship with God was restored but I am just now asking for forgiveness for this specific sin in my life. God has forgiven me so much and my life has been blessed by Him over and over so some might wonder why I need to confess this now. I need to because I just became aware of the sin. I believe it is important for me to confess specific sins when I recognize them so God and I can agree that it was sin and that I am forgiven. Then I don't have to dwell on it any more.
I've always thought of this more as the anti-profanity rule. Don't use God's name to damn people or things; don't use God or Jesus as any type of expletive; don't use OMG - all those casual, careless uses of the names God or Jesus. Last night this man spoke of carrying the name of God but living a life of hypocrisy. I had never thought of that as taking the Lord's name in vain.
There is a difference between being a Christian who sins and being a sinful Christian. Because we are human, we will sin, even when we belong to Christ. We will be angry or rude or unjust or unforgiving or lie or prideful or something just because we are still imperfect people in an imperfect world. We should, however, feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit and confess any sin immediately.
That is different from claiming to belong to Christ and openly living a life of sin, with no desire to admit to or confess sin or to leave that lifestyle we're living. I once walked the road of the prodigal daughter and it was many years before I submitted to the conviction of sin and sought forgiveness. During that time, I would have told anyone that I was a Christian because I was. I even went to church periodically; I just didn't have any use for God and His rules.
It's been 28 years since my relationship with God was restored but I am just now asking for forgiveness for this specific sin in my life. God has forgiven me so much and my life has been blessed by Him over and over so some might wonder why I need to confess this now. I need to because I just became aware of the sin. I believe it is important for me to confess specific sins when I recognize them so God and I can agree that it was sin and that I am forgiven. Then I don't have to dwell on it any more.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Repentance
As I read prayer requests and talk to women on Tuesdays at NewSpring, one of the things I have begun to really think about is the need for repentance.
Too many times we pray, God forgive my sins, but we never really do business with God about SPECIFIC sins. That can be the very reason so many people ask Jesus into their hearts but don't walk away from a life of sin. That was the case in my own life for many years. I KNEW what the sins were but it was almost like I didn't want to let them go because they had been part of my life for so long.
You're going along fine and then you commit that same old sin and then you feel bad and you say God I'm so sorry, please forgive me and then the cycle is later repeated. The reason it is repeated is because there is no repentance.
Repentance is NOT saying I'm sorry or I messed up or even I sinned. The Greek word matanoeo that is translated repent means to changes one's mind or purpose. Saying I'm sorry doesn't mean I have a change of mind or purpose. It may just mean oops, I got caught or I am just feeling guilty because I know it was wrong.
Paul says repentance comes from "godly sorrow"; that recognition that I have done something that is such an affront to a holy God, I cannot conceive of doing it again. Thus my mind is changed by the power of the Holy Spirit as He convicts me of sin so that I agree with God about how horrible my sin is and I begin to take every thought captive so that I can be obedient to Christ.
Jesus' first sermon was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.". The book of Revelation is full of Jesus telling people to repent or the consequences of not repenting. (2:5, 16, 21, 22; 3:3, 19; 9:20, 21; 16:9, 11) In the Old and New Testaments combined repent and repentance are used 67 times. Even something that is repeated 2 or 3 times means pay attention to this so this tells me repentance is pretty important to God.
Lord God, help me to truly repent of my sins, to have a change of mind about my thoughts and actions so that my life might glorify You.
Too many times we pray, God forgive my sins, but we never really do business with God about SPECIFIC sins. That can be the very reason so many people ask Jesus into their hearts but don't walk away from a life of sin. That was the case in my own life for many years. I KNEW what the sins were but it was almost like I didn't want to let them go because they had been part of my life for so long.
You're going along fine and then you commit that same old sin and then you feel bad and you say God I'm so sorry, please forgive me and then the cycle is later repeated. The reason it is repeated is because there is no repentance.
Repentance is NOT saying I'm sorry or I messed up or even I sinned. The Greek word matanoeo that is translated repent means to changes one's mind or purpose. Saying I'm sorry doesn't mean I have a change of mind or purpose. It may just mean oops, I got caught or I am just feeling guilty because I know it was wrong.
Paul says repentance comes from "godly sorrow"; that recognition that I have done something that is such an affront to a holy God, I cannot conceive of doing it again. Thus my mind is changed by the power of the Holy Spirit as He convicts me of sin so that I agree with God about how horrible my sin is and I begin to take every thought captive so that I can be obedient to Christ.
Jesus' first sermon was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.". The book of Revelation is full of Jesus telling people to repent or the consequences of not repenting. (2:5, 16, 21, 22; 3:3, 19; 9:20, 21; 16:9, 11) In the Old and New Testaments combined repent and repentance are used 67 times. Even something that is repeated 2 or 3 times means pay attention to this so this tells me repentance is pretty important to God.
Lord God, help me to truly repent of my sins, to have a change of mind about my thoughts and actions so that my life might glorify You.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Paradox
Living the Christian life is a life of paradox. When I looked up the definition I read: a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
When I read a paradox in scripture it is not expressing a "possible" truth but THE truth because it comes from the mouth of God.
"For whoever will save his life would lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 16:25
"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4
"...unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3
"...and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11
"...For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10
"...'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.'" John 11:25-26
Sometimes people get trapped by the paradoxes of following Christ. They just don't understand how these things can be. I have to admit that I don't understand them either but I believe, with all my heart, that they are true so I accept them by faith. One day I will know all I need to know about these things until then I will just believe!
When I read a paradox in scripture it is not expressing a "possible" truth but THE truth because it comes from the mouth of God.
"For whoever will save his life would lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matthew 16:25
"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4
"...unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3
"...and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11
"...For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10
"...'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.'" John 11:25-26
Sometimes people get trapped by the paradoxes of following Christ. They just don't understand how these things can be. I have to admit that I don't understand them either but I believe, with all my heart, that they are true so I accept them by faith. One day I will know all I need to know about these things until then I will just believe!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Submission to Authority
The word authority was used a great deal around Jesus. He taught with authority. Religious leaders wanted to know who gave Him authority. Pilate claimed authority to execute Jesus. Jesus, of course, had been given all authority. John 10:18 and Matthew 28:18.
Those of us who have confessed "Jesus is Lord" know that we come under His authority. We no longer live our lives for us but for Him. But Jesus was also an example of submission to earthly authorities. Matthew 17:24-28 & Matthew 22:16-22. Paul also admonished every person to be subject to the governing authorities as did Peter.
I do not find Jesus protesting the Romans and the hard life they subjected the Jews to. I never read of Paul fighting against the rule of Rome or asking people to rise up in a rebellion. In fact he said prayers should be made for kings and all who are in high positions. Eventually the authorities of Rome put both these men to death.
I think sometimes about all those Christians who hate those in authority over us now. I admit I do not pray for the governing authorities as often as I should but I try to live peaceably with authority. For me that includes not sending or even reading emails, stories etc that portray our President and other leaders in a demeaning way. Disagreement should be tempered by respect for the person and for the authority the person has.
It also means I don't cheat on my income taxes although I take every legal deduction possible to reduce my exposure to taxes. I pay all local, state and federal taxes in a timely manner. I don't park in handicap parking. I try to drive as near the posted speed limit as possible. I go slow in school zones. I vote in elections. (So glad I don't live in a country where change comes only through violence.)
Mostly, though, I recognize that my government is NOT my salvation. Only Jesus can save me from myself and my destructive way. Only Jesus can change the hearts and lives of those political leaders I disagree with.
Those of us who have confessed "Jesus is Lord" know that we come under His authority. We no longer live our lives for us but for Him. But Jesus was also an example of submission to earthly authorities. Matthew 17:24-28 & Matthew 22:16-22. Paul also admonished every person to be subject to the governing authorities as did Peter.
I do not find Jesus protesting the Romans and the hard life they subjected the Jews to. I never read of Paul fighting against the rule of Rome or asking people to rise up in a rebellion. In fact he said prayers should be made for kings and all who are in high positions. Eventually the authorities of Rome put both these men to death.
I think sometimes about all those Christians who hate those in authority over us now. I admit I do not pray for the governing authorities as often as I should but I try to live peaceably with authority. For me that includes not sending or even reading emails, stories etc that portray our President and other leaders in a demeaning way. Disagreement should be tempered by respect for the person and for the authority the person has.
It also means I don't cheat on my income taxes although I take every legal deduction possible to reduce my exposure to taxes. I pay all local, state and federal taxes in a timely manner. I don't park in handicap parking. I try to drive as near the posted speed limit as possible. I go slow in school zones. I vote in elections. (So glad I don't live in a country where change comes only through violence.)
Mostly, though, I recognize that my government is NOT my salvation. Only Jesus can save me from myself and my destructive way. Only Jesus can change the hearts and lives of those political leaders I disagree with.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sun Stand Still
I've just finished Steven Furtick's book, Sun Stand Still. The book just came out last week so it is brand, spankin' new. This is an amazing book about having audacious faith. As I read I was challenged to pray audacious prayers and to believe God to bring those prayers to fruition.
But as I have spent time thinking about my life and things that have been happening around me, I decided I have already been praying audacious prayers and seeing God move to answer them. I think especially of my son and his family. At one time they were far from God (as I had been as a young adult). They are now actively attending church, my son is back in school studying nursing, my grandson has given his heart to Jesus and was recently baptized. WOW! That is ONLY the grace of God and the work of His Spirit in their lives.
God has done so much for me personally throughout my life - even when I was living far from Him. Part of that, I believe, is the audacious prayers my mama prayed for me. I am so glad she lived long enough to see God answer her prayers for me as I have my prayers for my son.
I am still praying for my son. I am asking God to make him the best nurse around-to make him top in his field; to fill him with a desire to share Christ with those he encounters; to be willing to use his nursing skills locally or around the world as part of mission endeavors to touch the lives of the forgotten and the downtrodden.
For me personally, I want God to help me be generous with all that He has given me - in whatever form that takes - with the discernment to make wise use of God's resources. And that He would allow me to live in good health to see my great grandchildren as He did for my parents.
But as I have spent time thinking about my life and things that have been happening around me, I decided I have already been praying audacious prayers and seeing God move to answer them. I think especially of my son and his family. At one time they were far from God (as I had been as a young adult). They are now actively attending church, my son is back in school studying nursing, my grandson has given his heart to Jesus and was recently baptized. WOW! That is ONLY the grace of God and the work of His Spirit in their lives.
God has done so much for me personally throughout my life - even when I was living far from Him. Part of that, I believe, is the audacious prayers my mama prayed for me. I am so glad she lived long enough to see God answer her prayers for me as I have my prayers for my son.
I am still praying for my son. I am asking God to make him the best nurse around-to make him top in his field; to fill him with a desire to share Christ with those he encounters; to be willing to use his nursing skills locally or around the world as part of mission endeavors to touch the lives of the forgotten and the downtrodden.
For me personally, I want God to help me be generous with all that He has given me - in whatever form that takes - with the discernment to make wise use of God's resources. And that He would allow me to live in good health to see my great grandchildren as He did for my parents.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Changes
I have been praying for God to make changes in the lives of my family. Today Nathan asked for a Bible after church. I asked him if he would read it and he said he yes so we got a Bible from Guest Services. Nate started Fuse last week and has already invited someone to go with him this Wednesday.
Jeremy and Holly signed up today to be part of a home group. I hope they will be able to find a group of people they can bond with. I am seeing a real interest in the things of God in their lives that was not there even a few months ago.
In my own life I am having opportunities to do things that I have wanted to do for a long time. One of those things is helping Kevin in Production to keep track of birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, etc. so that he can be proactive in communicating with the team members, to foster a real since of family. I would love to see this develop into an actual care ministry within the Production Team.
God is SO good. He loves us so much and really wants us to be alive in Him. He wants to give us so much but it is often hard to trust Him with our futures. Giving up control is not easy but God is so much wiser than me. He has more resources than me. He has more power than me. Keep me, Jesus, close to Your heart. I want to be on Your team. I want to be on fire for You, to surrender all that I am and all that I have!
Jeremy and Holly signed up today to be part of a home group. I hope they will be able to find a group of people they can bond with. I am seeing a real interest in the things of God in their lives that was not there even a few months ago.
In my own life I am having opportunities to do things that I have wanted to do for a long time. One of those things is helping Kevin in Production to keep track of birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, etc. so that he can be proactive in communicating with the team members, to foster a real since of family. I would love to see this develop into an actual care ministry within the Production Team.
God is SO good. He loves us so much and really wants us to be alive in Him. He wants to give us so much but it is often hard to trust Him with our futures. Giving up control is not easy but God is so much wiser than me. He has more resources than me. He has more power than me. Keep me, Jesus, close to Your heart. I want to be on Your team. I want to be on fire for You, to surrender all that I am and all that I have!
Monday, July 5, 2010
I Give Myself to Prayer
I ran across this little sentence in Psalm 109 the other day. David is voicing a complaint to God about men who are lying and deceitful, who have become his enemies and then he says, "...but I give myself to prayer."
That made me stop and think. Do I give myself to prayer? Praying is probably one of the hardest things I do. It is so easy to just mouth a "Forgive me" or "Help me" or something similar without really getting into a deep conversation with God. But if I want to hear from God, I've got to get into those real conversations with him. And that takes more than a couple of minutes of going over my to do list for God.
It means taking time to approach a holy God with an attitude of meekness and humbleness. It means praising Him because He is worthy of praise. It means confessing my sins. It means remembering and thanking him for His faithfulness. And THEN I can offer up my to do list but mixed into all of this is time to listen. A lecture is when one person speaks and another listens. A conversation is give and take, both speak at times and both listen at times. Prayer is to be a conversation WITH God and that means I have to stop talking and just listen.
That made me stop and think. Do I give myself to prayer? Praying is probably one of the hardest things I do. It is so easy to just mouth a "Forgive me" or "Help me" or something similar without really getting into a deep conversation with God. But if I want to hear from God, I've got to get into those real conversations with him. And that takes more than a couple of minutes of going over my to do list for God.
It means taking time to approach a holy God with an attitude of meekness and humbleness. It means praising Him because He is worthy of praise. It means confessing my sins. It means remembering and thanking him for His faithfulness. And THEN I can offer up my to do list but mixed into all of this is time to listen. A lecture is when one person speaks and another listens. A conversation is give and take, both speak at times and both listen at times. Prayer is to be a conversation WITH God and that means I have to stop talking and just listen.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Restore Us
Our country is sorely in need of revival from God. His Church in America is sorely in need of revival. We - the American Church - are like the church at Laodicea that received a rebuke from Jesus for being lukewarm and self-satisfied.
Verses 3, 7, 19 of Psalm 80 are my prayer today for the Church. I like the way the Psalmist expands his view of God in these verses - from God to God Almighty to LORD God Almighty.
But of course the Church is people so that means me! I need a fresh, expanded view of God, a renewed fervor, a new sense of God's purpose in me. So this prayer is not just for the Church "out there" but for the life of God's Son "in here", in me...restore us, O LORD God Almighty! Let Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Verses 3, 7, 19 of Psalm 80 are my prayer today for the Church. I like the way the Psalmist expands his view of God in these verses - from God to God Almighty to LORD God Almighty.
But of course the Church is people so that means me! I need a fresh, expanded view of God, a renewed fervor, a new sense of God's purpose in me. So this prayer is not just for the Church "out there" but for the life of God's Son "in here", in me...restore us, O LORD God Almighty! Let Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Vows to the Lord
I love the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel. She wanted a child so badly she cried out to God. She made a vow to God that if He would give her a son she would give him back to God for the rest of his life. And she did!!
When the child was weaned - still just a toddler - she took him to the temple and gave him to Eli to serve him there. She only got to see him once a year when the family went on their annual pilgrimage to the temple to sacrifice their offerings to the Lord.
This story always makes me think about all the flippant vows I used to make with no real intention of ever fulfilling my part. Those...God if you'll just get me out of this jam, help me through this hard place, cause this person or that person to be in my life, then I will go to church every Sunday, give more money to the church, stop doing whatever I was doing wrong.
Over the years I have had to repent of a lot of stupidity, a lot of failings in this area. Oh, God, if You would..., then I will... because He did but I didn't. God takes vows very seriously. I have learned that they are a sacred trust between me and God and keeping your word - your vow - to God is more important than just about anything. The father of lies is the devil and there is nothing about lying to God that can ever be viewed with anything but remorse.
When the child was weaned - still just a toddler - she took him to the temple and gave him to Eli to serve him there. She only got to see him once a year when the family went on their annual pilgrimage to the temple to sacrifice their offerings to the Lord.
This story always makes me think about all the flippant vows I used to make with no real intention of ever fulfilling my part. Those...God if you'll just get me out of this jam, help me through this hard place, cause this person or that person to be in my life, then I will go to church every Sunday, give more money to the church, stop doing whatever I was doing wrong.
Over the years I have had to repent of a lot of stupidity, a lot of failings in this area. Oh, God, if You would..., then I will... because He did but I didn't. God takes vows very seriously. I have learned that they are a sacred trust between me and God and keeping your word - your vow - to God is more important than just about anything. The father of lies is the devil and there is nothing about lying to God that can ever be viewed with anything but remorse.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Prayer
Sunday at NewSpring Perry started a new series called "Practical Atheist". He said a practical atheist is someone who claims to believe in God but lives as if He doesn't exist. There is no change in the person's life, more belief in the superstitious than the supernatural.
We also saw the video of Zac's story, a 32 year old staff member who is dying from cancer. As we ended the service, Perry asked for those who needed healing to come forward for prayer. I was privileged to be one of the ones praying with those who came forward.
I had several requests for physical healing, a marriage to be healed, a son to be delivered from drugs, emotional healing of bitterness, a newly engaged woman who wanted prayer for the relationship. There were around 30 people from all campuses who prayed to receive Christ! That is the ultimate healing.
I see and hear these hurts every week through the prayer ministry but I think it was good for the church to be able to see that there are lots of people who don't have it all together. People who are struggling with physical, spiritual, emotional and relational issues.
The question now is do we really anticipate that God is going to do something supernatural in the lives of these individuals?
We also saw the video of Zac's story, a 32 year old staff member who is dying from cancer. As we ended the service, Perry asked for those who needed healing to come forward for prayer. I was privileged to be one of the ones praying with those who came forward.
I had several requests for physical healing, a marriage to be healed, a son to be delivered from drugs, emotional healing of bitterness, a newly engaged woman who wanted prayer for the relationship. There were around 30 people from all campuses who prayed to receive Christ! That is the ultimate healing.
I see and hear these hurts every week through the prayer ministry but I think it was good for the church to be able to see that there are lots of people who don't have it all together. People who are struggling with physical, spiritual, emotional and relational issues.
The question now is do we really anticipate that God is going to do something supernatural in the lives of these individuals?
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Spiritual Gifts
Perry talked to us today about recognizing and using our spiritual gifts to serve the body. His three gifts are leadership, evangelism, and teaching. Those are pretty obvious gifts in Perry now but when he first became a Christian he had to spend some time trying out things to really figure out how God had gifted him.
That was true in my own life as well...at least to recognize the gift of service. Well, maybe not the gift but where and how it should be used.
The gift of faith was made manifest through all the trials that I faced 5 or 6 years ago. I came away with a faith that took every worry out of my life. That sounds a little weird but I don't know any other way to say it. I believe this gift was unrecognized until I faced situations that tested it. Every day is a gift from God but if Habakkuk 3:17-19 should come true in my life, I really, really believe I would be OK with it. No freaking out or falling away or saying why me.
And then the gift of encouragement. Since I joined the prayer team at NewSpring I have been able to use this gift and the gift of faith in ways I haven't in a long time. Joining the prayer team completed the circle of my giftedness. I had known something was missing over the last 3 years and the prayer team was it. Now I believe I am using all my gifts in the local church once again.
That was true in my own life as well...at least to recognize the gift of service. Well, maybe not the gift but where and how it should be used.
The gift of faith was made manifest through all the trials that I faced 5 or 6 years ago. I came away with a faith that took every worry out of my life. That sounds a little weird but I don't know any other way to say it. I believe this gift was unrecognized until I faced situations that tested it. Every day is a gift from God but if Habakkuk 3:17-19 should come true in my life, I really, really believe I would be OK with it. No freaking out or falling away or saying why me.
And then the gift of encouragement. Since I joined the prayer team at NewSpring I have been able to use this gift and the gift of faith in ways I haven't in a long time. Joining the prayer team completed the circle of my giftedness. I had known something was missing over the last 3 years and the prayer team was it. Now I believe I am using all my gifts in the local church once again.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Word Spread
Sometimes I forget that if it were not for courageous men and women 2000 years ago who told the story of Jesus every where they went, I might not be a believer today.
Oh, I know God's plan goes along no matter what but I am thankful for the disciples in the early church who ran from persecution but did not keep silent. They were instrumental in the spread of the Gospel...taking it out of Jerusalem and getting it to the rest of the world.
I pray for that kind of courage for me...to always speak about the love of Jesus when I have the opportunity. It seems every time I ask God to give me an opportunity to share Jesus or to pray for someone, He does it. I just wonder why I don't pray that prayer EVERY day.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Worry
Yesterday I heard someone say that a mother worries about her children. Those around her agreed and I really wanted to ask - and how productive is worry in your life - but there were people there I did not know so I kept quiet. I didn't want to embarrass any of the 3 women there that I know are HUGE worriers or sound smug or haughty by saying I don't worry 'cause I give 'em up to Jesus. I do know it means I need to keep speaking Jesus into their lives on a one on one basis - not in group therapy!
This morning as I was reading in Numbers about the spies who went into the promised land and came back worried and afraid, saying we can't do this. They instilled fear into all the people who refused to take possession of the land God gave them so God sent them off to die in the wilderness.
I don't want to be the person who misses the things God has for me because I am worried about the future, about things that may never take place. I want to trust God completely. That is a day by day giving up of me. A day by day surrender of my will, my thoughts, my desires to the sovereignty of God.
Jesus said, "Don't worry..." so I don't...at least not for long.
This morning as I was reading in Numbers about the spies who went into the promised land and came back worried and afraid, saying we can't do this. They instilled fear into all the people who refused to take possession of the land God gave them so God sent them off to die in the wilderness.
I don't want to be the person who misses the things God has for me because I am worried about the future, about things that may never take place. I want to trust God completely. That is a day by day giving up of me. A day by day surrender of my will, my thoughts, my desires to the sovereignty of God.
Jesus said, "Don't worry..." so I don't...at least not for long.
Friday, December 11, 2009
My Christmas Challenge
I have been thinking about how self-centered I often am in my prayer life. From now until Christmas, I am not going to ask God for anything except for the requests that come through the church.
For me, personally, I am going to pray only prayers of thanksgiving and praise. I am going to thank God for something different everyday and praise Him just because He is worthy of my praise.
I am not going to ask for anything for me or my family - no "me/mine" prayers - not that there is anything wrong with that. I just want to change my focus. This Christmas I want to focus on all that has already been given to me by the Most High God. And not just the visible stuff but the air I breathe and my heart that beats and ears that hear. I want my Christmas to be immersed in thankfulness.
I believe as I focus more on Him, He will be able to speak more clearly to my heart about the direction my life should take in the new year.
For me, personally, I am going to pray only prayers of thanksgiving and praise. I am going to thank God for something different everyday and praise Him just because He is worthy of my praise.
I am not going to ask for anything for me or my family - no "me/mine" prayers - not that there is anything wrong with that. I just want to change my focus. This Christmas I want to focus on all that has already been given to me by the Most High God. And not just the visible stuff but the air I breathe and my heart that beats and ears that hear. I want my Christmas to be immersed in thankfulness.
I believe as I focus more on Him, He will be able to speak more clearly to my heart about the direction my life should take in the new year.
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