Praying For Others

 

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." - Ephesians 6:18

What is intercessory prayer? Quite simply, intercessory prayer is the act of praying on behalf of others.

Paul tells us of Epaphras, a member of the church in Colosse, who "is always labouring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God." Epaphras prayed for the people in the church to be spiritually mature, for them to be complete and whole, and also for them to fulfil the will of God. Now that is an example of intercessory prayer; it focuses on fulfilling the ministry and the mission of the church.

One of the concerns we often have about our prayer ministry is that the requests we receive are overwhelmingly for those who are sick. Now there is no doubt that the church is called to pray for the sick. But so often it seems the church is just absolutely obsessed with praying sick sinners out of heaven and totally oblivious to praying lost sinners out of hell. We need to have the right priority when it comes to our intercession. It's about praying for "Christ's Kingdom to come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven." That means focusing on the spiritual welfare of the church and its mission, as we remember the physical needs of those who are sick.

There is also an erroneous idea in contemporary Christianity that those who offer up intercessory prayers are a special class of “super-Christians,” called by God to a specific ministry of intercession. The Bible is clear that all Christians are called to be intercessors. All Christians have the Holy Spirit in their hearts and, just as He intercedes for us in accordance with God’s will (Romans 8:26-27), we are to intercede for one another.

All About Networking

"Without consultation, plans are frustrated. But, with many counsellors they succeed." - Proverbs 15:22 NIV

Back in the 1990's, President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair were often considered "soul mates." As the first Baby Boomer leaders of their nations, they also had similar political philosophies. People marvelled at how well these two charismatic leaders got along. But it's also interesting to note that when George Bush succeeded President Clinton, Tony Blair reached out to him. The two also seemed to get along splendidly and worked together quite well. Blair proved that he was not just a friend of the President, but really, a friend of the United States.

There was a similar relationship between Solomon and Hiram, the king of the Phoenicians. Solomon recognized that he needed others to help him fulfil his mission. He needed people with insight and resources he did not have. The Phoenicians were great ship builders and a great seafaring people. Hiram had been a friend of King David and when he heard that Solomon was the new king, he reached out to him and offered his assistance. Solomon had enough humility as a leader to recognize that he needed not only people within his own nation, but people of other nations, people outside his place of responsibility. Good leaders reach out to others, collecting wisdom and support from every source available. Remember, God's Word tells us to seek wise counsel. It worked for Solomon, it will work for you.

 

A Clear Mission

"I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD told my father David, when he said, 'Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.'" - 1 Kings 5:5

Now, the first thing to understand about Solomon is that God's mission for him was clear from the very beginning. He was to build a great temple for the Lord. Now interestingly, Solomon's father, David, also had the same vision, but it was not his mission to carry out. God knew David was a warrior, not a builder, and so He saved this particular goal for David's son, Solomon.

Solomon gave the goal and the mission to the people of Israel, helped them to understand what his mission was and challenged them to carry out it out. The timing was right for this. The enemies had been defeated. It was a time to follow God's will.

Are you clear on your life mission? Are you clear on your life's purpose? Can you express it in a brief sentence just like Solomon could? Are you clear on your organization's mission and the role you are to play in that goal? Are you very clear about some God-given goals, goals that God has given you to help fulfil that mission? Are you communicating that mission clearly?

Follow Solomon's example; begin with a clear mission and communicate that mission to those who are helping you meet that goal. It's an absolute key to successful living.

 

The Right Wish

"The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, 'Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.'" - 1 Kings 3:10-12 NIV

I remember as a child playing the game of "Three Wishes." We would all tell our stories of what we would wish for if a magic genie appeared and granted us anything we wanted. Of course there would be wishes for money - lots of it - and to be a hall-of-fame baseball player, superpowers, and other rich fantasies. I always thought I was so clever in asking for unlimited wishes.

Years ago, a young King of Israel asked for and received the greatest wish from God. He could have asked for his enemies to be destroyed or for a long life or for more power or even great wealth. Instead, he asked for wisdom. Solomon asked for the understanding in his heart to be able to know the right decisions for the best interests of the people. He wanted the wisdom of how to rule. And my friends, few things are more important to great leadership than wisdom.

Know this: wisdom is not knowledge. A lot of brilliant people have no wisdom at all. Wisdom is the ability to assimilate that knowledge to make decisions that are right, wise, and best for all concerned. God gives us the key to wisdom, which is being willing to listen to the Word of God and obey it. Solomon "wished" for the right thing. We should follow his example whenever we find ourselves placed in a position of trust, responsibility, and authority.

 

Temples Of God

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body..." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

What does the Bible say about taking care of our bodies? Well, for starters, it clearly says the bodies of believers are temples of the Holy Spirit. That means God the Holy Spirit LIVES inside you! It makes sense, then, that we should take good care of ourselves, doesn't it? If that's the case, why are there so many who abuse their bodies? When we do that, we shorten not only our lives, but also the ability for God to use us for His purposes.

So, let's talk about some eating disorders:

1. People with anorexia nervosa have a distorted body image that causes them to see themselves as overweight even when they're dangerously thin. Often refusing to eat, exercising compulsively, and developing unusual habits such as refusing to eat in front of others, they lose large amounts of weight and may even starve to death.

2. Individuals with bulimia nervosa eat excessive quantities, then purge their bodies of the food by using laxatives, diuretics, vomiting, or exercising. Often acting in secrecy, they feel disgusted and ashamed as they binge, yet relieved of tension and negative emotions, once their stomachs are empty again.

3. Like people with bulimia, those with binge eating disorder experience frequent episodes of out-of-control eating. The difference is that binge eaters don't purge their bodies of excess calories and they easily become gluttonous.

Each of these disorders can bring great harm to the body. And like all addictions, whether food, booze, drugs, or sex, the addiction is a substitute for the place of God in the addicted person’s life.

If you or someone you know suffers from an addiction that harms the body, seek God’s forgiveness and His help. Then find others who can assist you in achieving victory over the unhealthy addiction. Trust me, you can be victorious! For with God, all things are possible!

                                                                      

What Are The Priorities Of Your Heart?

"Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." - 2 Corinthians 9:6
I have found in my life that so many "light bulb" moments come from the most unlikely places and the most unlikely people. I never cease to be amazed how God uses all of us to teach and remind us of what's important.

I once had an interesting conversation with an atheist friend. He had visited our church and heard statistics on the high number of families who give nothing to the Lord's work each year. The basic minimum in faithful giving, according to the Bible, is ten percent, or a tithe. My friend said to me, "I was shocked. I thought if you people really believe this stuff about God, heaven, and hell, and the importance of spreading the message, you'd want to give more than ten percent. 'Cause what could be more important than that?" Well, of course, I knew what he said was true, but the fact that he truly "got it" and so many of our faithful don't get it really made me stop and think about this sad state of affairs.

Jesus certainly agreed with my friend, for He clearly said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be." In short, where you spend your money reveals the priorities of your heart. So, what does your bank statement say about your priorities? Your bank statement doesn't lie. To all you folks who profess to be Christians, what does your bank account say about your faith in God? Do you really believe what you profess to believe, and if you do, what could be more important than that??

 

A Precious Commodity

"He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly." - Proverbs 14:29

One of the Miriam Webster definitions of being patient is: "steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity." Being patient is hard because as humans, we have a tendency to want what we want at that particular moment. Unfortunately, it seems that life is a test of patience.

I struggle with lines - whether it's traffic, or waiting at a restaurant. Why, I'd rather drive five miles out of the way than sit still in traffic. I get impatient with people when I'm facing a deadline and get interrupted, or when someone says they'll do something and it doesn't get done.

Where do you struggle with patience? Do you ever pray, "Lord, give me some patience, now!" Let me suggest a few practical ways to learn patience:

1. Take a breath and pray for self-control.
2. When people anger you, if possible, retreat for a moment. Take time to back off and get control of your emotions.
3. Confront fairly, and seek to listen, understand, and where needed, forgive.
4. Remember, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God's patience with us.

Patience is a precious commodity, for it's a powerful way to win the respect of others and turn a potential enemy into a friend.

 

Breaking The Heart Of God

Sunday, Jul. 14, 2013    “I have sinned against the Lord…” - 2 Samuel 12:13a NIV King David has always been a favorite of mine. He was always so open in his communication with God. When he felt betrayed or alone, he screamed out his pain and displeasure to God. Then, in the very next breath, he would take it back to the main thing with words of adoration and praise for His Heavenly Father. When he sinned against God (and believe me, David sinned - adultery, murder, abuse of power), he begged for forgiveness. He knew he had broken God's heart with his sin. Surprisingly, the Bible shows us that King David was a man who found special favor with God, even though he was guilty of all those things. But, as mentioned above, the Bible also shows us that David recognized his mistakes and called them what they were - sins against God. He asked God's forgiveness and then committed himself to living God's way. Even though we may not have done the same things that David did, we have all sinned. God's Word says, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." He died to pay the penalty for our sins and to offer us forgiveness. When you mess up, and you will, confess your sin to God just like David did. Ask for God's forgiveness and for strength to resist sin in the future. Anything you say won't be a surprise to Him. He knows everything. But He is the only answer to man's ultimate problem of sin.

Saturday, Jul. 13, 2013

Whatever My Circumstances...

"Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for God Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you.'" - Hebrews 13:5 NAS

Contentment is difficult to define. The dictionary definition says that contentment is satisfaction; but then it defines satisfaction as happiness. We continue going round and round with each word defining the other, yet it's really telling us almost nothing about what contentment actually is.

If someone says they are content, sometimes we just think they are lazy. Or we figure they are underachievers. Or maybe they are simply incompetent and are using "contentment" as their excuse for not doing more with their life.

But Paul certainly didn't fit into any of those categories. He was a forward thinker, a visionary, and a leader. At one time he had material wealth and prestige, but then had everything stripped away from him. He went from a life of wealth to one of service. Yet, he talked about learning to be content in life, regardless of circumstances. Paul explains, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity."

God knows that we have a constant desire for more. For some reason, we are wired that way. But He reminds us to be content with the blessings He has given us and the ways He has blessed our lives.

When we are not content, we turn our backs on what God has given us and then miss what He is doing in our lives! Discontentment causes us to focus on our what we want. Contentment allows us to discover God's plans for us.

 

Where Are You God?! Friday, Jul. 12, 2013

 

 

"...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Matthew 21:28b NIV

Ever been in a place when it seemed like everything was falling down around you? Your business is failing, your marriage is definitely not what you thought it would be, you're failing a class in school, or your best friend just dropped you like a hot potato? When that happened, did you think to yourself, "Where are you, God? Are you even there?"

The disciples faced this very situation. Jesus told them to take their boat to sea while He stayed behind to pray. Suddenly, a powerful storm came up. The terrified disciples faced it for several hours before Jesus, making a pretty dramatic entrance, showed up to comfort them. So, why didn't Jesus come to them right away?

Well, think about it this way. When we are going through storms, it's human nature for us to have the mindset that, "I've just got to work this out by myself!" The disciples knew Jesus was on land and probably assumed there really wasn't anything He could do anyway. But Christ was praying on the shore for the disciples as He saw the storm come up. And you should realize that Jesus is also hearing your prayers in the midst of your storms.

Know this: There is no difficulty in life that is stronger than Jesus. The fact is that Jesus doesn't always give us a perfect peace and calm at the very moment that we're pouring out our heart to Him; sometimes the calm comes later. He will bring us His peace in His timing. You can face your hard times with courage because Jesus promises that He will be with you.

This Could Be Your Best Day!

Jul 10 2013

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"...godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8Back in 2001, The U.S. Nickelback smashed onto the Billboard charts with a song, "How You Remind Me." It went a little something like this:

If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?
Would you call those friends you've never seen?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you’re dreaming of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you'll finally fall in love?
If today was your last day?

So, what if you actually received an official notice today that this is your last day to live? What would you do? Would you try to make more money, or stay late at the office working hard? Would you spend time with your family, or express thanks to those who've helped you along the way? Would you seek to get right with God?

We tend to focus on the material and the temporal and neglect the eternal and relational. But none of us knows the number of days God has planned for us. Don't put off until tomorrow the really important things you can do today - like getting right with God. God became a man in the person of Jesus to show us how. Start there, and show your family how much you love them. Surprise them by occasionally coming home early. Tell them you love them. Plan fun things to do with them. Help someone you care about - someone who needs you at the office, in the neighborhood, or maybe someone who needs a friend.

It may not be the last day you live here on earth, but it may become a great day for you and those you care about.

Let God Handle The Demands Of Our Days

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"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:29 NIVHow do you find the possibility of freedom and peace in a world where there seems to be no rest? The idea that the pace of life seems to continually increase stress and worry is a universal concept. There seems to be no end to the demands on our time and energy. Are you tired of the constant busyness that seems to surround our lives? I know I am!

There is a solution: It isn’t one that offers escape from the demands of life, but one that guarantees rest in the midst of the rat race and the fast pace of life. Jesus says, "Come to me if you are tired and burdened. I'll make your load lighter, and help you carry your burden." Jesus offers us rest amidst the stress.

Christ doesn’t always take us out of life’s demanding situations. Instead, He invites us to allow Him to help us handle the demands. He wants to face each day and each challenge with us. Walking with Jesus Christ daily and trusting Him for guidance and wisdom to handle whatever comes, is the way to experience true rest in the busyness of life.

Home Is Where He Is!

Home is Where He is

July 7, 2013

 

Bible Reading: Psalm 46:1-3
Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! Psalm 90: 1
LIKE EVERYONE else alive, you have a need to belong. God meant that need to be met first in your family. No matter how ugly the world gets, the idea is that you can always come home and say, “I can be myself here.” It’s an unbeatable feeling when home is safe, relaxing, and friendly. Unfortunately, lots of students don’t get that when they go home. For them, home is lonely-or worse.
Jesus knew what it was like not to have a home. His brothers and sisters weren’t exactly excited about his public ministry. They may have even labelled him the fam­ily laughingstock. Besides that, he was homeless as he travelled throughout Israel for the last three years of his earthly life (see Matthew 8:20). Given all that, where did he get his sense of belonging? Or, better yet, who gave it to him?
Jesus leaned on the undeniable fact that he belonged to his Father. He couldn’t see the Father any more than you can. But he knew his Father was with him, and that knowledge gave him a peace and security that kept him going.
Because Jesus is so secure in his Father’s love, he has strength to live in a less­than-perfect situation. In other words, Jesus can live in your home, even if he finds your family members tough to get along with. And that’s a clue for you to succeed in less-than-swell circumstances. Jesus wants you to take him into your home and to be at home with him. If you check the first four books of the New Testament-the ones that tell about Jesus when he was here on earth-you find him constantly hang­ing out in people’s homes and working wonders even in weird situations.
At the very end of the Bible, Jesus says in the book of Revelation 3:20 “Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.” He means those words for you. When you’re at home, he wants you to know that he is actually and perpetually there with you. When he says he wants to eat a meal with you, he’s saying he wants to talk to you and have you talk to him-like two close friends sitting across the table, chat­ting and visiting.
The more you enjoy Jesus’ friendship at home, the less lonely home becomes. You’re less aggravated and unsettled inside yourself because Christ makes you more at ease, more okay with your circumstances, whatever they are. The other people in your home might not change, but you have a close personal friend changing you and helping you to cope.
REFLECT: How does your family do at showing you the love of Jesus?
PRAY: Talk with Jesus right now about your home situation.

Religion And Grace of God!

The religion demands us not to sin in order to be righteous!  But the righteousness of God make us right standing with God, one with God!  When you believe and receive this righteousness; you are in right standing with God and live a sin-free life.  Although you abuse, misuse or use GRACE OF GOD to sin; still you are the righteous of God! Because Jesus paid anyway for your sin you have committed yesterday, today and what you are about to do tomorrow!  Your frustration, disappointments towards God is not going to nullify His price He paid on the cross for you.  You are righteous in the sight of God! Now the choice is yours: you can come to Him as you are or reject His free gift of righteousness He has already imputed in your spirit! 

Just don’t complicate this Grace of God! One of grace advantage is : ‘acceptability’ in other words you are accepted as you are’ regardless of how wretched you were, are and will be.  Our God is Eternal – He saw your past, present and future and gave the sacrifice Lamb in your place to die. He became sin for us. So He knew what you did, you are doing and what you will commit tomorrow.  But He paid it! It is Finished.  GRACE and MERCY IS CONSTRAINING YOU!

God said : My people are perished lack of knowledge of God.  God did not die for Christians but for the sinners of the world! A Christian is a NEW MAN IN CHRIST! You are the home of God! Don’t take the temple of God and give it to filthiness of this world!

Just read this again and again and remember the invitation is wide open for you to get back to the Father!  After knowing this Gospel (GOOD NEWS) if you deliberately yield yourself to sin then: God’s Word says: Hebrews 10:26-29 ‘ for if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.  Of how much worse punishment do you suppose will be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

A Good Antidote For Your Inner Struggles!

 

One of the three chief musicians’ of King David in the Bible was Asaph.  In Psalm 77:7-9 we can see the inner struggles of a heart. ‘will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Have His mercy and loving-kindness ceased forever? Have His promises ended for all time? Has God deliberately abandoned or forgotten His graciousness? Has He in anger shut up His compassion?

Although he struggled within, the next verse he said, but I will recall the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will earnestly recall the deeds of the Lord: yes I will earnestly remember the wonders of old.  I will meditate also upon all your works and consider all Your deeds.  Once after he recalled the years of the right hand of the most High,  the deeds of the Lord, when he remembered the wonders of old and started to meditate all God’s works, he exclaimed: ‘who is a great God like our God?  What an inner transformation! His spirit got stirred up just by remembering God’s goodness.  There was an inner shift took place.

When he failed to remember what God has done in his life, he was disquiet, groaned, overwhelmed by the circumstances. He was troubled and complained when he remembered God. His spirit was overwhelmed.   He reasoned within whether God has forgotten him or cast him forever?  But when he recalled the deeds of God and the wonders of God, he started to praise Him and worship Him. He said in verse 10, ‘this is my anguish; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most high.’

Are you reasoning within; has God forgotten me or cast me off forever? Remember the works of God in your past.  Your doubts and lamentation will turn in to a song of praise.

I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord; the wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work O Lord. Amen.