“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites.” ~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6, Prayer

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” ~Jesus | Source: Matthew 6:5-6 (ESV)

Read more on Hypocrisy – What it is, why it is evil and hated by Jesus here.

Prayer essential in our relationship with God. One of the pillars in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7) is prayer.  Prayer is not what we think. Jesus lays out what prayer is all about in the Kingdom of God where Jesus is in charge. Jesus draws a distinction between hypocrites who love to pray and those who pray because they love.

Advertisements

“I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do.” ~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 17, Mission, Obsession, Plan, Prayer

“Then, raising his eyes in prayer, Jesus said: … I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do.” ~Jesus | Source: John 17:1-5 (The Message)

Jesus was on a mission. Jesus had as his focus only doing what God, His Father, wanted him to do. God is God and has a plan all laid out for me. My mission is to do what Jesus has in mind for me. That is how I glorify God.

“Keep praying, but be thankful that God’s answers are wiser than your prayers!” ~~William Culbertson

Tags

Prayer, Quotes, Thankful, William Culbertson

I talk with God. I ask for things. I want stuff to happen.

• I am like a typical child. Gimme, gimme, gimme. Some times all day long.
• God is in a good mood. Like a great Father, he ignores a great deal. He smiles. He ignores me some more. Good thing God is patient.
• Jesus knows what is good for me. Now that is some good news. Jesus has a plan. He knows what the goal is. I need to sync up with Jesus. What would Jesus ask for?

“Keep praying, but be thankful that God’s answers are wiser than your prayers!” ~~William Culbertson

“What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this?” ~Jesus

Tags

Faith, God is God, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 9, Prayer

Jesus is direct with me. When Jesus speaks, I better listen. Jesus has something to say.

There are times I have no sense of God. Nothing is impossible with God. I write it and I say it. I believe it but not all the time. I have no sense of God. That is just plain. Jesus points it out to me, if I am willing to listen.

Jesus is challenging me. How many times does he have to tell me? How many times does he have to perform miracles to convince me? How many?

The good news is that Jesus comes through in spite of what I believe. That is real good news because it is a gift and not anything I earned.

God is God. God’s will is going to be done.

When they came back down the mountain to the other disciples, they saw a huge crowd around them, and the religion scholars cross-examining them. As soon as the people in the crowd saw Jesus, admiring excitement stirred them. They ran and greeted him. He asked, “What’s going on? What’s all the commotion?”

A man out of the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought my mute son, made speechless by a demon, to you. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and goes stiff as a board. I told your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they couldn’t.”

Jesus said, “What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here.” They brought him. When the demon saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a seizure, causing him to writhe on the ground and foam at the mouth.

He asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been going on?”

“Ever since he was a little boy. Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!”

Source: Mark 9:14-22

“Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Apostle Paul Sayings, Encouragement, Ephesians 6, God's Word, Jesus, Prayer, Spiritual Weapons

The Apostle Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Ephesians. There are many things we need to do. He has a good summary for me.

• Use every weapon Jesus has given us. We have a lot at our disposal. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation must be applied in my life.
• God’s word is a great weapon. This is his living word and his written word. I can use it against my enemy, the evil one.
• Prayer is not to be ignored. When I am faced with evil, I can talk with God and he will hear me.
• Finally, I am to encourage my brothers and sisters in the Master Jesus. I am to help keep their spirits up.

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Source: Ephesians 6:13-18

“So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help?” ~Jesus

Tags

Faith, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 18, Persistence, Prayer

Jesus challenges me. I don’t need more faith. I need persistent faith.

• I must be persistent in my prayer and never quit. My faith must be persistent. If I believed yesterday, I must believe today.
• I must be confident God will step in. I may not know when but it will happen.
• God will stick up for me. God is in a good mood.

Here is the story Jesus told.

Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit.

He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’

“He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’”

Then the Master said, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?”

Source: Luke 18:1-6

“Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels.” ~~ Terry Lynn Taylor

Tags

Gratitude, Jesus, Prayer, Terry Lynn Taylor

This is clear and so very true. I can always talk with God.

No matter what time of day, I have something to be thankful for.

If I can’t find something to be thankful for, there is something fundamentally wrong that prayer won’t help at that moment.

“Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels. If we take the time, no matter how crazy and troubled we feel, we can find something to be thankful for.” ~~ Terry Lynn Taylor

Have a mind unafraid to travel with Jesus even though the trail be not blazed

Tags

Friends, Heart, Jesus, Prayer

Get on your knees and pray

A  Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anonymous

Dear Lord, please give me…

A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;

A work to do which has real value,
without which the world would be the poorer;

A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;
An understanding heart;

A sense of humor;

Time for quiet, silent meditation;

A feeling of the presence of God;

The patience to wait for the coming of these things,
With the wisdom to recognize them when they come.

Amen.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." ~~ApostlePaul

Tags

Anxiety, Faith, Jesus, Peace, Philippians 4, Prayer, Rejoice, Thanks

This is His path to peace for me. I don’t understand it for sure but it is true. He is guarding me. Letting Him be in charge guards my mind from my own plans which clearly leads to worry and fear.

I should be thankful and talk with God about everything. He is in charge.

Jesus loves me and has wonderful plans for me. Wow, that takes the pressure off and allows me to not be anxious.

He ROCKS!!!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! …. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in the Messiah Jesus. Philippians 4:4-9

“I thank God through Jesus for every one of you.” ~Apostle Peter

Tags

Jesus, Prayer, Romans 8, Thanks

What should my attitude be?

My attitude about others should be one of thanks. He has blessed me with such rich relationships with my brothers and sisters in Jesus. This should be something I do all the time.

When I think of someone, I should thank God for them. This brings me closer to God in understanding how to pray for others.

I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you. Romans 8:8-12

Contemplation on a prayer: A Poem

Tags

Friend, Jesus, Poem, Power, Prayer, Rich, Thankful

Should I pray for an easier life OR
to continue becoming a stronger man?
I will pray for power equal to my tasks.

I am amazed that power does come to me that exceed the challenges of my life.
I could have sought tasks equal to my powers but . . .
that is not the path of strength.

that is not the path of courage.
that is not the path of hope.

Much better to pray for powers equal to my tasks.
I am amazed at the beauty of my world . . .
at the richness of my life
at the love I know daily.

I am overwhelmed with the friends who care for me . . .
who appreciate me
who challenge me
who accept me.

I am thankful for my family . . .
who knows me and loves me.
cares for and appreciates me.

Everyday I do wonder at myself and
the richness of my life that has come to me
by the grace of Jesus!

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” ~King Solomon

Tags

Motives, Prayer, Proverbs 16, Purity, Wise Sayings

Broken Heart

There are matters of the heart and there are matters of faith. There are many things in my heart that I want to do. They are based on what I want. There is a better way.

When we start with faith, the Lord brings the matters of the heart to His good conclusion. He cares that good comes from our plans. Supernatural courage comes from Him to step out with pure motives.

May I commit to the Lord everything I do. May He establish my plans.

To human beings belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. People may think all their ways are pure, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:1-3 TNIV

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Messiah to eternal life.” ~Jude

Tags

Eternal Life, Faith, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jude 1, Love, Mercy, Messiah, Prayer

So here is something else to be anxious for. Am I anxious for the mercy of Jesus the Messiah?

I need the mercy of Jesus. I have completely missed God’s goal for my life. God is in a good mood, however. I am ready for mercy!

If the recipe calls for a little, give more. Jesus is not stingy at all.

Tags

Jesus, Praise, Prayer, Stingy

Our heavenly Father has decided to show us mercy and love, not judgement. Now let us stop right there for a minute.

No judgement? Really? That is right. All praise belongs to Him who is the God and Father of our Master Jesus. His wisdom and counsel heals and restores us. When we have difficult days, Jesus is right there next to us, encouraging us as only He can do.

As a result of us getting through these days, Jesus brings someone into our life who needs to hear how God has helped us. We can be there for them just the way God is there for us. Funny how that prepares us to help someone else and give them good gifts from God. The generosity of Jesus becomes our generosity.

Of course we have some tough days because of following after Jesus. His way is not always easy. But through it all, we have many more amazing days of His healing and comfort.

We get more than a full measure of all His benefits and gifts. If the recipe calls for a little, He gives more. Jesus is not stingy at all. Good stuff for sure.

“How bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening.” ~Apostle John

Tags

1 John 5, Apostle John Sayings, Ask, Bold, Jesus, Prayer

Much of life is an illusion. I think I believe something but it is not true. I need a new reality.

And the good news is that I have one in Jesus. That new reality is I have a life in Jesus that will never end.

That leads to be bold beyond what I would expect in my old life. If I know what  He wants, I can ask for it knowing for sure Jesus will do it.

I know He is listening. I know He cares. I know He has the power to do it.

And so … it is mine.

My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours. 1 John 5:13-15

“Build yourselves up in this most holy supernatural courage by praying in the Holy Spirit.” ~Jude

Tags

Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jude 1, Love, Mercy, Messiah, Prayer, Supernatual Courage

Holy Spirit

There are some things to be careful about. I must take responsibility for building myself up. In fact, I can listen to my-self, others, and the enemy in ways that takes me out of God’s love.

Praying in the Holy Spirit connects me with God’s love. If I am not feeling His love, I am not hearing Him.

I need to be ready for mercy.

Am I?

Or am I looking for judgement?

The real life is about mercy. God is in a good mood and he is loving. All the time. No doubt about it.

That is the real life.

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy supernatural courage by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus the Messiah. This is the unending life, the real life! Jude 1:20-21

 

May I stay right at the center of His love!!

"All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired." ~~Martin Luther

Tags

Belief, Faith, Jesus, Martin Luther, Prayer

I can count on God. God is reliable. God’s goal for me is that I believe in his son Jesus.

God is God. God will be faithful to me.

“All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired.”  ~~Martin Luther

"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus Sayings, Matthew 6, Prayer

Get on your knees and pray

Jesus challenges me to change my mind about how to pray. We are steeped in the religious way to do it. That is not the God way.

Here’s what He wants me to do:

• Find a quiet, secluded place so I won’t be tempted to role-play before God.
• Just be there as simply and honestly as I can manage.
• The focus will shift from myself to God, and I will begin to sense his grace.

May I accept the Jesus prayer challenge.

The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 6 The Message) 

Sometimes I get tired of waiting on God?

Tags

God is Good, Jesus, Patience, Prayer, Tired, Wait

Sometimes I get tired of waiting on God. I know that may sound like heresy but it is true. It’s OK though. My Father understands. God sent his Holy Spirit to help me. The Holy Spirit is right along side of me giving me His great energy. He is most powerful.

Sometimes I don’t know what to pray for. I don’t even know how to pray.

It really doesn’t matter. Again, His Spirit does the praying for me. How cool is that? My Father knows me much better than I know myself. His Spirit keeps me right in front of God.

There are a lot of details to my life. It is no big deal for my Father.

God loves me and makes sure that every detail of my life is worked into something good. No, something excellent. That’s just His way.

Always in a great mood. Always giving me good news. Always giving me more than I can think of to ask Him for. After all, He is my heavenly Father.

 

 

"When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Matthew 5, Prayer

Get on your knees and pray

Jesus challenges me to do things differently than the way people of this world do things. He is not subtle at all.

Jesus knows my friends and acquaintances, even my family, will give me a hard time. Following Jesus guarantees that for sure.

What should I do? I should devote my whole energy to praying for them. That is the way of Jesus and God’s goal for me.

When God is in me, praying is second nature to me. I start reflecting my God-created self that way.

Jesus challenges us to be like God, to love like God. He gives us the power.

When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does.

~~Jesus (Matthew 5 The Message)

“May you be content knowing you are a child of God.” ~St. Theresa

Tags

Jesus, Love, Praise, Prayer, St. Theresa

Prayer

This is a great prayer. Simple but focused on God.

Peace can be ours. It is ours by knowing who we are and who God is.

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you.

~St. Theresa

"The goal of my spiritual life is such close identification with Jesus Christ that I will always hear God and know that God always hears me." ~Oswald Chambers

Tags

Oswald Chambers, Prayer

Get on your knees and pray

Our life is to be all about listening to God and doing what he wants us to do. That is the goal that Jesus has laid out before us. What does God want is the central question at any given point.

We also have assurance that God hears us, knows what we need and is in an amazing mood. God wants the best for us always. God is not a mean and stingy father. God is love.

The goal of my spiritual life is such close identification with Jesus Christ that I will always hear God and know that God always hears me.

~Oswald Chambers

“God, God-of-Heaven, the great and awesome God, loyal to his agreement and faithful to those who love him and obey his commands.” ~Nehemiah

Tags

God, Israel, Israelites, Moses, Nehemiah, Nehemiah 1, Prayer

Loyalty

Nehemiah was an amazing man of God. He had a big yes going on in his life. He knew how awesome God is. He understood loyalty. He was humble at the core, seeking to get God’s work done.

Like Nehemiah, we have come back to God. God has put us back in right standing with Himself. God accomplished that through our Master Jesus.  Now we get it.

May we be a mighty prayer warrior like Nehemiah. May we do God’s work and restore His people.

“I said, ‘God, God-of-Heaven, the great and awesome God, loyal to his agreement and faithful to those who love him and obey his commands: Look at me, listen to me. Pay attention to this prayer of your servant that I’m praying day and night in intercession for your servants, the People of Israel, confessing the sins of the People of Israel. And I’m including myself, I and my ancestors, among those who have sinned against you. ‘We’ve treated you like dirt: We haven’t done what you told us, haven’t followed your commands, and haven’t respected the decisions you gave to Moses your servant.

All the same, remember the warning you posted to your servant Moses: ‘If you betray me, I’ll scatter you to the four winds, but if you come back to me and do what I tell you, I’ll gather up all these scattered peoples from wherever they ended up and put them back in the place I chose to mark with my Name.'” Nehemiah 1:5-9 MSG

What is the importance of prayer?

Tags

Devil, Power, Prayer, R. A. Torrey, Samuel Chadwick

R.A. Torrey lamented the average believer’s indifference to prayer by writing:

How little time the average Christian spends in prayer! We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little…the power of God is lacking in our lives and in our work. We have not because we ask not.

Samuel Chadwick writes:

The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.”

“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Messiah” ~Jude

Tags

Eternal Life, Faith, Jesus, Jude 1, Love, Mercy, Messiah, Prayer

The mission God has given me is to keep myself in a faith that is set apart for Him. That is the real deal. That is what the end game is for me. It is a building process. I am not there for sure. But I am making progress.

Mercy

God has a goal where I need to be. He has a strategy for how I will get there. He “whacks” away at it every second of every day. So, bring it on my Master.

There is a coming together of the physical, the soul (heart) and spiritual. So I start with a physical act. Let’s say I raise my hands being open and outstretched to Him. I begin to experience His love being poured out on me. Then the presence of His Spirit invades the scene. Watch out then!! This all leads to love. It leads to experiencing His gift of mercy. Not justice. Just mercy.

What is the real outcome? What is this all about? A life that is unending. A life that is real.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Messiah to bring you to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21

Am I too bold in what I ask of God?

Tags

Ask, Bold, Confidence, Jesus Sayings, Knock, Luke 11, Prayer, Seek

Am I too bold in what I ask of God? Or am I not bold enough? He has a heart to give to me. He loves to do it. That is just the way He is. I am, in fact, not bold enough. I want to be bolder. Jesus encourages me trust my heavenly Father.

I love to give gifts to my children.  My heavenly Father is the same way only much better at it than I  am. He loves to give us what we ask for. God is in a good mood.

I need to ask. That is my part. And I can be bold in it. I can ask for things I am reluctant or embarrassed to ask for. He actually wants me to ask.

The story Jesus told about the friend and asking boldly is amazing. The word used is variously translated as “boldness” or “persistence”. The actual Greek word is Anaideiaand is only used once in the New Testament. It is actually perhaps better translated as shamelessness or impudence. It could be “Have you no shame asking for that?”  “That is too much. How can you ask for that?” But when it comes to asking our heavenly Father it is not too much. Nothing is impossible with Him.

May I be bold in what I ask for.

Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’ “Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? f you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:5-13

"May we learn to intercede so wholeheartedly that Jesus will be completely and overwhelmingly satisfied with us as intercessors." ~~Oswald Chambers

Tags

Intercession, Oswald Chambers, Prayer

Prayer

Who are we trying to please?

It is a relevant question that deserves consideration and an honest answer.

Jesus is our Master. Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed King. Jesus is in charge.

May we learn to intercede so wholeheartedly that Jesus will be completely and overwhelmingly satisfied with us as intercessors. ~Oswald Chambers

“Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.” ~~Corrie Ten Boom

Tags

Corrie Ten Boom, Prayer

We live in a world where if we don’t feel like doing something we don’t. That is all there is to it.

That isn’t God’s world. Corrie Ten Boom knew the power of prayer and power of commitment. God doesn’t have problems, only plans!!

“Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees.” ~~Corrie Ten Boom

“Our prayers lay the track down which God’s power can come.” ~Watchman Nee

Tags

Jesus, Power, Prayer, Watchman Nee

The power of God comes like a mighty locomotive. The rails it travels on are our prayers.We were created to have conversations with God.

God wants us to connect with Him constantly. God wants to give us direction. That is how we tap into God’s power.

May my prayers unleash His mighty power.

“Our prayers lay the track down which God’s power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, his power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails.”

—–Watchman Nee

Prayer requests

Tags

Prayer

Get on your knees and pray

Some priorities to pray for today.

• Peace in Iraq – DIA Director sees Iraq as ‘quagmire,’ but strikes term from testimony (6/18/2015) One of President Obama’s top intelligence officers has privately concluded that the situation in Iraq is a “quagmire,” but struck the term from testimony being prepared for him to deliver on Capitol Hill.
• Wisdom for Pope Francis – Pope Francis is urging the world to act on climate change. (6/18/2015) Pope Francis released his big, long-awaited encyclical on climate change and the environment. In the sweeping 184-page letter, he calls on the world’s nations – especially rich nations – to curtail fossil fuel use, revamp their economic
• Peace in Nigeria – Chad bombs Boko Haram bases in Nigeria (6/18/2015) Chad’s military says it has carried out airstrikes in neighboring Nigeria on suspected positions of militant Islamist group Boko Haram. The strikes were in response to the “cowardly and barbaric” bombing of Chad’s capital, N’Djamena.
• Comfort to Charleston families – (6/19/2015) Charleston Shooting: 5 Things to Know Your look at the five biggest stories related to the deadly church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina.  (6/18/2015) President Obama Expresses ‘Deep Sorrow’ Over Charleston Church Shooting President Obama expressed “deep sorrow” over the deadly shooting at a historic predominantly black church in Charleston.  Nine killed in shooting at South Carolina church, gunman still at large (6/18/2015) Nine people were killed late Wednesday at a historic African-American church in Charleston, S.C. after a white gunman walked in during a prayer meeting and began shooting.
• Comfort to California families – 5 Dead in California Apartment Balcony Collapse An apartment balcony collapsed in California early this morning, killing five people and injuring eight others, police said. The accident was reported at 12:41 a.m.
• Peace in Yemen – Al Qaeda second-in-command killed by US drone strike, group says Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) said early Tuesday that its leader and the terror organization’s second-in-command, Nasir al-Wuhayshi, had been killed in a U.S. drone strike in Yemen.  Will the latest round of Yemen peace talks produce a solution? Rival camps from Yemen will convene in Geneva on June 14 to resume peace talks backed by the United Nations. But it’s far from likely that the next round of talks will produce a long-term political solution to the conflict. Houthis killed, injured in Yemen clashes Eight Houthi miltias were killed and 11 others injured during clashes with the Yemeni Popular Resistance – allied to internationally-recognized President Abdrabbu Mansour Hadi – in the southwestern city of Taez
• Wisdom for the Supreme Court – Upcoming Rulings In the coming weeks, the Supreme Court is scheduled to release decisions with sweeping ramifications. Though the rulings on same-sex marriage and Obamacare subsidies are the most anticipated, justices will also be releasing decisions on issues relating to environmental law, free speech, police brutality, immigration, property rights (and raisins), the drawing of congressional maps, the use of lethal injection – and even a patent dispute involving a popular Spider-Man toy
• Peace in Kenya – Kenya says kills al Shabaab commander and possibly militant Briton Eleven Somali militants and two Kenyan soldiers were killed when al Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab fighters attacked a military base in Kenya’s northern coastal region of Lamu County, officials said. Al Shabaab confirmed the weekend attack.
• Comfort in Ohio – Four dead in Ohio shooting; gunman on the loose Four people were killed and a fifth person injured in a shooting in a house in Columbus,Ohio, authorities said. The shooting occurred Saturday morning, CNN affiliate WBNS-10TV reported.
• Syria – Thousands Of Syrian Refugees Pour Into Turkey As Kurds Advance On ISIS  Hundreds of Syrian refugees poured into a Turkish-Syrian border crossing Saturday, fleeing intense fighting between Syrian Kurds and militants from the Islamic State group in nearby towns and villages.
• Safety in Dallas – Gunman in Dallas Police Headquarters Shooting Confirmed Dead Dallas police have confirmed the death of the gunman who fired automatic weapons at officers outside Dallas Police Department headquarters before engaging in a standoff from inside an armored vehicle Saturday morning.  Suspects Open Fire Outside Dallas Police Headquarters Gunmen attacked the police headquarters in downtown Dallas from inside an armored van early Saturday morning, shooting at officers and leaving satchel bags filled with pipe bombs around the building in a brazen overnight assault.
• Peace in Afghanistan – Taliban Overrun Police Base in Southern Afghanistan Afghanistan’s police force took another severe blow from the Taliban on Saturday, as 17 police officers were killed in a clash with the insurgents in the southern province of Helmand, officials said.
• Comfort in Nepal – A Landslide Hits 6 Villages in Nepal; 15 Dead, Dozens Missing A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall buried at least 15 people and left dozens missing as they were sleeping at night in six villages in Nepal’s mountainous northeast, officials said Thursday.
• Peace with Iran – US Working to Block Iran From Using Recently Acquired Airbus Jets Iranian officials this week threatened to take legal action against the U.S. if it seeks to block the use of the jets, according to Iranian media. Officials have said the country plans to use the planes on international flights.
• Comfort for the families in Connecticut – Man shot dead, eight injured at Connecticut apartment complex: media One man was shot dead and eight other people were injured at an apartment complex in Connecticut in the early hours of Thursday morning by what officials believed were more than one assailant, local broadcaster WFSB reported.

“Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you.” ~Jesus

Tags

Boldness, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 16, Joy, Kingdom, Prayer

Jesus wants me to ask the Father. I should not be shy. In fact, boldness helps. If what I ask for is consistent with God’s principles for His World (Kingdom), asked in His name and His will, He will give it to me.

God delights in giving me what He has in heaven. It tickles Him pink!!!

Wow, what joy that is when it happens.

This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks! John 16:24

“If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power.” ~Billy Sunday

Tags

Billy Sunday, Jesus, Power, Prayer

Tapping into God’s desire at any given moment opens us up completely to His power. That Jesus rules here, just like it is in heaven, is the big thing. Talking and listening to God is the most important thing. I should never cease to check in and see what God wants me to do right now.

If I know what Jesus wants me to do, I have His power all the time.

“If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power.”  ~Billy Sunday

 

"What the Father does, the Son does." ~~Jesus

Tags

God's Will, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 5, Prayer

Jesus is perfectly aligned with His Father, God. That is the source of His power.

Jesus challenges us. Become aligned with God our Father. Pray, “On earth as it is in Heaven.”

How is it in Heaven? What is God doing? Answer that and do that is what Jesus demands.

Pray, “Your will be done.”  What does God want to happen right now? Answer that and pray for that. Do that.

Jesus challenges us “to do” what God is doing. That is His way.

“What the Father does, the Son does.” ~~Jesus  (John 5:19-20 The Message)

If we don’t believe what we read in the Bible, how will we believe when Jesus actually talks to us?

Tags

Challenge, Faith, Jesus, Listen, Prayer

Listen to God

If we don’t believe what we read in the Bible, how will we believe when Jesus actually talks to us?

This is a very relevant question for us, “the religious”. Jesus is challenging us. Do we hear Him? Are we sure? How are we sure we are sure?

What did Jesus say? Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father. He still speaks to us. Are we listening? Prayer is more about listening than talking and complaining to God.

God’s goal for us is to listen and hear his son speak. God’s goal is for us to be obedient.

Jesus is challenging us. May I hear Him now.

"Ephphatha!—Open up!" ~~Jesus

Tags

Healing, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 7, Miracles, Prayer

Jesus was on a roll. A mighty move of God with healing everywhere. So, He left the region of Tyre, went through Sidon back to Galilee Lake and over to the district of the Ten Towns. Some people brought a man who could neither hear nor speak and asked Jesus to lay a healing hand on him.

They had such faith in Jesus. They knew Jesus could heal anyone and that nothing is impossible with him. Jesus is plugged into what God wants to do. God is in a good mood and wants to heal us.

So what does Jesus do? He took the man off by himself, put his fingers in the man’s ears and some spit on the man’s tongue.

Really? That is how he did it? Yes it is. I can see why Jesus took the man off by himself.

Then Jesus looked up in prayer, groaned mightily, and commanded:

“Ephphatha!—Open up!” ~~Jesus (Mark 7:35 The Message)

And it happened. The man’s hearing was clear and his speech plain—just like that.

Is God always faithful?

Tags

Faithful, Jesus, Prayer

Faithfulness

I live in a hostile world. I call to God. To my heavenly Father I cry out.

God hears me. God answers my prayers. My cry brought me right into God’s very presence. I can have a private audience any time I want it.

God is ALWAYS faithful.

God is my rescuing knight. A mighty warrior strong and brave.  I can run to God for my dear life. God is faithful.

"To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tags

Jesus, Martin Luther King Jr., Prayer

Jesus challenges us to pray effectively. He shows us the way.

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

"Get into the habit of saying, “Speak, Lord,” and life will become a romance." ~~Oswald Chambers

Tags

Jesus, Oswald Chambers, Prayer

Get on your knees and pray

Much of our life is a habit. One of the best habits to get into is to ask GOD to speak. Pray should not be all about us doing all the talking. In fact, we should be listening most of the time.

We need to cultivate the art of listening in prayer. We need to make it a habit.

When we ask GOD to speak, then listen and do, life becomes a romance.

Get into the habit of saying, “Speak, Lord,” and life will become a romance. ~~Oswald Chambers

Let’s redefine ASAP — Always Say A Prayer

Tags

ASAP, Prayer

Always Say a Prayer

Today is the day to start.

Let’s redefine ASAP.

A = Always

S = Say

A = A

P = Prayer

Faith is speaking to me. Faith tells me that no matter what lies ahead, God is already there.

Tags

God is Good, Prayer

Bold Faith

Faith is speaking to me. Faith tells me that no matter what lies ahead, God is already there.

God doesn’t give me more to do than He has power to enable me to accomplish.

May I listen and know that God is in a good mood.

May my faith be bold.

"How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak." ~~Francois Fénelon (French theologian, writer)

Tags

Francois Fenolon, Listen, Prayer

Get on your knees and pray

Listening is not talking. Are my prayers one sided? Am I the only one talking?

I clearly need to be quiet. I need to stop the blathering.

God’s goal for me is that I listen to Him and act on what He says.

How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak. ~~Francois Fénelon (French theologian, writer)

"You must learn to wrestle against the things that hinder your communication with God." ~~Oswald Chambers

Tags

Communication, Oswald Chambers, Prayer

Listen to God

We wrestle with many things. Prayer. The world’s culture. Evil.

We can’t wrestle with God. God is God. He wants us to submit to what God wants to have happen.

“You must learn to wrestle against the things that hinder your communication with God, and wrestle in prayer for other people; but to wrestle with God in prayer is unscriptural.” ~~Oswald Chambers

"No one can pray and worry at the same time." ~~Max Lucado

Tags

Max Lucado, Peace, Prayer, Worry

Why Worry?

God’s goal is for us to talk with Him, trust Him and obey Him.

Our alignment with God takes the anxiety out of the equation.

Want peace?

Talk with God.

No one can pray and worry at the same time. ~~Max Lucado

More boldness and fearless confidence!!! Peter walked on the water to Jesus.

Tags

Bold, Courage, Faith, Fearless, Matthew 14, Miracle, Peter, Prayer

Bold Faith

We marvel that Jesus walked on water. What He did was stunning. Afterwards the disciples worshiped Him.

We need to remember Peter as well. If Peter was anything, he was nothing but bold. But it seems that he was also asking for more. This boldness came upon him suddenly and he didn’t ignore it. At Jesus command, Peter walked on water as well.

When I have my eyes on our Master Jesus, He gives me boldness and confidence.

Jesus had boldness and confidence. This incident came after he spent the entire evening alone praying with God.

Jesus didn’t do anything but what he saw His Father doing. AND we serve a bold God.

God’s goal for us is for us to trust Him and be bold. God wants us to have confidence in Him.

May I have more boldness and fearless confidence.

Water longs to be walked on again!!

As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!” Matthew 14

Does God feel this way when I pray?

Tags

Conversation, Margaret Millar, Prayer

Prayer

I am hoping that God doesn’t feel this way when I pray. I have heard lots of prayers (including my own) that feel this way. It has me thinking for sure. I am wondering for sure.

God’s goal for us is for us to pray in a way that is a conversation. God also wants us to listen.

May my prayers be a conversation (not a monologue) with my Father!!!

“Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of witnesses.” —–Margaret Millar

"Do not be anxious about anything." ~~Apostle Paul

Tags

Gentleness, Heart, Joy, Mind, Peace, Philippians 4, Prayer, Rejoice, Thankful

Be Thankful

My part is to rejoice. God is so very good and He is always in this amazing mood. Jesus has a mission to bring Good News to me. Am I hearing bad news? It is a lie then. That is from my enemy Satan. So, I will rejoice at the good God is doing now.

I need to talk with my Father, ask Him for what I need, and be thankful in my conversations with Him. He knows what I need and will do more than I can imagine.

I don’t understand it, but as a result, His peace is mine. I can rest and relax. His peace is at attention in my heart. He is protecting me and the enemy can’t reach my heart.

God’s goal for me is to rejoice always. This is so important, Paul says it to us twice. Be thankful. Be grateful. Our prayers are to be with thanksgiving.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-9

 

 

 

 

“We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power.” ~~Reuben Archer Torrey

Tags

Power, Prayer, Reuben Archer Torrey

There are way too many things going on. But being too busy to pray should not be one “to do” that we miss. Hearing God is essential to being able “to do” what God has in mind for us. 

“We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions; much machinery but few results.”

~~Reuben Archer Torrey

“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.” ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 7, Prayer

My on my how we love to bargain. Even with God. “If you do X  … then I will do Y  …” we say to God. That isn’t how God wants to work with us. 

Jesus says to stop that kind of behavior. We should be direct. He knows what we need. We should just ask for it.

God’s goal for us is for us to be direct with God. He is direct with us. No cat and mouse kind of games at all. God doesn’t bargain. His love for us is unconditional. He is in a good mood and wants to help.

That is what pleases Him. Directness and not a game.

“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.” ~~Jesus (Matthew 7:7)