Are you Ready? (1)

 

'...The prudent [wise] considers well his steps.' Proverbs 14:15 NKJV


In our Journey of faith there are something's we must consider if we are to move forward in that faith...After you've prayed and talked to God, planned and prepared, there comes a point where you've got to take the plunge. Is it scary? Absolutely!

There are two kinds of people: Those who leap before they look; they are driven by impulse. Then there are those who look, and look, and look but never leap; they are controlled by fear. Which are you? To get to the Promised Land, Israel had to cross the River Jordan at flood tide. It must have made the strongest heart skip a beat. God had promised that when the feet of the priests carrying the ark stepped into the water it would roll back. Can you imagine their thoughts? 'Couldn't we wait till the tide goes down? Why do I have to go first? What if the waters don't roll back and I drown?' The step between prudence and paranoia is short and steep. Prudence wears a seatbelt; paranoia avoids cars altogether. Prudence washes with soap; paranoia avoids human contact altogether. Prudence saves for old age; paranoia clings to every penny. Prudence prepares and plans; paranoia panics. Prudence calculates the risk and takes the plunge; paranoia never enters the water.

To reach your God-ordained destiny you must stop holding back, obey God and step into the water. The moment you do, doors will begin to open and resources will be released, where there now seems to be only shortage. God will provide the means, the method, and the manpower. So stand on His promise: '...I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you...' (Isaiah 43:4-5 NKJV) You are loved!

The Healthy Edge

 

'...Run in such a way as to get the prize.' 1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV

We say things like, 'It's a rat race out there, and the rats are winning,' 'Nice guys finish last,' 'Winning isn't everything - it's the only thing!' Such sentiments characterise our culture, driving workaholic lifestyles that destroy health, fracture family life, and eliminate the spiritual discipline required to have a growing relationship with God.

One of things that I have to personally be aware of is am I getting the proper rest that lifts me spiritually everyday. So what should we do? Avoid all competition? Opt out of the race? Retire and watch the world go by? No, those are not options for a follower of Christ. So: (1) Beware of competitiveness that leads to jealousy. Cain's competitiveness toward his brother Abel led him to murder (Genesis 4:1-8). He tried to put his brother down in order to lift himself up. King Saul tried to kill David when the crowd sang, 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.' (1 Samuel 18:6-11 NKJV) Those words caused jealousy to grow like a cancer in him. (2) Understand that by seeking to excel in your calling, you exalt Christ. Paul writes: 'in a race...only one gets the prize... Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes [does] it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.' (1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV) That's hard to do in our lives sometimes, but it is essential. No second-rate effort, no settling for mediocre outcomes. 'I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me. I'm staying alert and in top condition.' Getting ahead of others isn't what it's about; it's about maximising all you do for God's glory! 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.' (Colossians 3:23 NIV) You are loved!

Who's on Board with You?

'...So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as He said...' Acts 27:25 NLT

Just a couple of prayer reminders this morning before we get into something God laid on my heart Last night. Please pray for a child her name is Emma...no details but please pray. Continued prayers for Janice Ibarra and Amy... One other thing, if you can come help Rob & Kim move today we'll be meeting at there home at 12n. 2440 Lisino Ave West Richland.

One of the things to do when going through things in life is to do as Paul suggests, "take courage and believe God." I read a story about "Robert Schuller who was on a cruise ship off Queensland when the captain announced they were about to navigate a very narrow and dangerous crevice. They needed at least ten metres of water to get through and avoid running aground. Just then a small motorboat approached with a captain from Australia. As he boarded the big ship, the crew saluted and stepped aside to let him take the helm. This man specialised in maneuvering big ships through small spaces, and because of his expertise they made it through without a problem." There's an important lesson here. Before you get caught in life's storms, make sure Jesus is at the helm, and that you know who your traveling companions are. In the midst of a gale that threatened to sink their ship, Paul stood up and announced, 'Take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as He said.' Paul had confidence because he knew who the real Captain was that day. He never doubted for a moment that God would honor His promise to save him, and everyone on board. When you go through storms that shake your faith you need people who know what the Word of God says, people who believe that God will 'do exactly' what He said no matter how bad the circumstances look. Such friends are few and far between, and they're precious. If you have one or two of them in your life today you're blessed, so thank God for them. So be Courageous today and believe God...You are loved!

Finding Comfort

 

'But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us...' 2 Corinthians 7:6 NIV

Yesterday was a long physically and emotionally draining day for me. Each way I looked there seemed to be turmoil. You may feel as I have from time to time and look at this scripture today and feel like it may be hard to believe God. You may even say, 'Surely Paul was too spiritually mature to feel downcast?' Apparently not! The chief apostle and leader of the church experienced discouragement, stress, restlessness and even fears. 'When we arrived in Macedonia there was no rest for us. Outside there was conflict from every direction, and inside there was fear. But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus...' (2 Corinthians 7:5-6 NLT) So, where do we turn for strength in our times of trouble? Consider some ways God sends us comfort and encouragement: (1) He comforts us by His presence. 'Now may...God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing.' (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NLT) It's God's nature to be with us, to give us comfort when we're mourning (Matthew 5:4), brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3), overwhelmed (Psalm 145:14), worried (Isaiah 41:10) or unwell (Psalm 41:3). But we must acknowledge His presence and accept His comfort! (2) He comforts us by His Word. 'Remember Your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.' (Psalms 119:49-50 NLT) (3) He comforts us through our prayers. '...As soon as I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength.' (Psalm 138:3 NLT) (4) He comforts us through godly friends. Paul writes: 'God...comforted us by the coming of Titus.' Today, look for those who bring comfort, and practice comforting others. By the way, by the end of the day God had brought someone along to give me encouragement...You are loved!

Knowing When

'[Like] a child without wisdom; when the time arrives, he [or she] does not come to the opening of the womb.' Hosea 13:13 NIV

This is a timely word today as we look into what our purpose in life is this Sunday. Paul talks about how we have been created/purposed to do good works. Timing is an integral part of God's plan for your life. You need to know what to do, and when to do it. You never want to wait to long or you might you miss your window of God-given opportunity. As believers we experience two births: a natural and a spiritual birth. For some...spiritual birth happens in childhood. Others, like me, have to work to get there with a combination of effort and...the stripping down of layers of independence. Regardless of how we get to the spiritual labor/delivery room, at our appointed time - unlike a natural birth...we must be willing to be reborn. We can't remain in darkness and isolation. "When the time arrives [to] come to the opening of the womb" and be pushed into the world as a new creation, you must be willing to emerge. We all know people who read every self-help book. They're always getting ready to emerge, but never quite make it. You may even be one of them. Perhaps God has given you a vision but you've hidden it away for so long waiting for the right time, it has become stale. Visions have a shelf life. They are for "an appointed [fixed, chosen, prearranged] time."' (Habakkuk 2:3 NIV) If you wait for the perfect moment when all is safe and assured, it will never arrive. Mountains will not be climbed, races won, or lasting happiness achieved. Bottom line: you can sit on the bench, or get involved in the game. Which will it be? You are loved...

Persist in Prayer

 

'This, then, is how you should pray...' Matthew 6:9 NIV


I was thinking this morning, if prayer came naturally, God wouldn't have to remind us so often to do it. We can laugh but a consistent prayer life requires crucifying our selfish nature. But when prayer doesn't seem rewarding, we're apt to abandon it. We don't get the results we are looking for; so how can you pray and get results? (1) Before you ask, adore! Any prayer that begins with asking can become self-centred and shallow. 'Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.' (Psalm 100:4 NIV) When God's love, goodness and faithfulness are your starting point, you're lifted out of yourself, your spirit is prepared for 'connecting' with God, the content of your prayer becomes more Scriptural, and you get results. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus directs our attention first to God's name, then His Kingdom and then His will. After that, we ask for 'our daily bread'. Thanksgiving doesn't condition God to bless you - it conditions you to receive His blessing. (2) When you pray, persist! God's not an automated teller. You are supposed to stay engaged with Him until He decides to answer you. This involves an attitude of faith, persistence and patience. Jesus gave us a parable about a woman who kept pleading with a hardhearted judge to grant her petition. When she finally wore him down, he gave her what she asked. Jesus had only one purpose for the parable: 'To show them that they should always pray and not give up.' (Luke 18:1 NIV) The point is not that persistence forces God's cooperation, it's that God wants you to pray and not quit. When you persist God will answer, 'and quickly!' (Luke 18:8 NIV) You are loved!

Believing God Will Take Care of You!

 

'...The Lord...has given rest to His people...' 1 Kings 8:56 NIV

Live for today, and put tomorrow into God's hands. Begin to eliminate the words 'what if' from your vocabulary. God will always be one step ahead of you. 'The Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.' (Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV) The reason God is called the 'Alpha and Omega' in Scripture is because He not only initiates the starting point of your spiritual journey, He has arranged every step of it according with His will. He says to you: 'I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope...when you pray, I will listen...I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes.' (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT) If you're fearful of the future, check with the past. 'Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people...according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all...He promised.' (1 Kings 8:56 NKJV) You will never conquer your worries entirely, for worries, just like weaknesses and character flaws, draw you closer to God and keep you dependent on Him.

For forty years in the wilderness the Israelites never missed a meal. God delivered it to the door of each of their tents daily. And He will provide for you too. I'll leave you with this...'Not so in haste, my heart! Have faith in God, and wait; although He lingers long, He never comes too late.' You are loved...

The Answer

 

'Death and life are in the power of the tongue...' Proverbs 18:21 NK


Yesterday we looked at stepping out in faith. It's hard to step out in faith when you allow worry to control your life. Your words either work for you or against you. The Bible says, 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.' The old saying, 'You'll eat your words,' is not a meaningless cliché, it's the truth! Jeremiah the prophet writes, 'Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart...' (Jeremiah 15:16 NKJV) The Psalmist writes, 'They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses (worries). He sent His word and healed them...' (Psalm 107:19-20 NKJV) God's Word and faith in His word is the medicine that heals worry. So what God has to say about the issue must be what you have to say about it too, otherwise you're contradicting Him and disconnecting yourself from the source of all blessing. If you're wise, you will surround yourself with like-minded people who speak God's Word into your life, and limit your time with those who have no interest in it. If you want to grow the right kind of fruit, you must have the right climate. And the words you speak (and listen to) determine the climate of your life, the direction in which it goes, and the results you get. There is no 'secret' to success. The Bible says that when you learn to 'meditate day and night' in God's Word, you will 'prosper in all you do.' (Psalm 1:2-3 NIV) So the answer to your worries is in God's Word and faith in Him! You are loved...

Step Out In Faith!

 

'Why should we sit here waiting to die?' 2 Kings 7:3 NLT


Unless you're willing to take risks you won't succeed in life. Yes, there's a time for playing it safe. But when caution becomes a lifestyle, you get bogged down in mediocrity and failure while life passes you by. When you finish praying, searching the Scriptures and listening to godly counsel - you've got to step out in faith.

I love this illustration that the bible gives us about stepping out in faith. Four lepers sat outside the besieged famine-stricken city of Samaria. They considered their situation. 'We're starving to death. There's food in the enemy camp. Enemy soldiers are swarming over it. We can play it safe, sit here and die. Or go into the camp and see whether they feed us or kill us!' They knew their worst option was playing it safe and doing nothing. So what happened? They were saved by taking a step of faith. Now, your risks may be less dramatic. But unless you take them, you'll never fulfill your God-given assignment in life. The next two weeks in our Sunday service we'll look at Ephesians 2:10 and look at what we are and what God wants us to do with our lives; what we are created and purposed to do. Each of us has an assignment. The Bible says, 'Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.' (Ecclesiastes 10:8-9 NIV) By trying to avoid falls, bites, injuries, danger etc., you miss out on life's opportunities. Walking by faith means: (1) Accepting worthwhile risks. You've got to go out on a limb, for that's where the fruit is. (2) Preparing wisely for your risks. God rewards excellence. 'Using a dull axe requires great strength, so sharpen the blade...That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.' (Ecclesiastes 10:10 NLT) So go ahead, step out in faith! You are loved...

When You Feel Down (2)

 

'Let us not grow weary while doing good...' Galatians 6:9 NKJV


Yesterday we looked at Fear and how fear can control you when things aren't favorable in your life. Fatigue comes on the other hand from being tired physically or spiritually and can be as controlling as fear: Remember the old saying, 'You can't burn the candle at both ends'? Today we've gone from candle power to electric power, and few of us pay heed to that old saying anymore. We want bigger homes, fancier cars and more exotic holidays etc. So we start earlier, work harder and finish later. Then we stagger home and fall asleep in front of the television, worn out and feeling guilty about spending so little time with our family. We forget that God designed us to need one work - free day a week for rest and spiritual renewal (Exodus 20:8-11). As a result, fatigue saps our creative energy, distorts our outlook, diminishes our joy, erodes our confidence and drains us spiritually. I know you can relate to what I'm sharing today. It may have happened to you or is happening to you right now. Look at the Prophet Elijah; he is a great example of this. Single-handedly he defeated the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:17-46). In answer to his prayer God sent fire from Heaven that consumed the altar and turned Israel back to God. It was a spectacular victory, yet on the heels of it he got so down that he actually asked God to take his life. Now that's reaching an all-time low! So what did God do? Like any good doctor, He diagnosed the man's problem and prescribed three things: proper diet, adequate rest, and a good assistant - Elisha. Many of us, who love what we do for a living, can have a tendency to get out of balance. We have no boundaries so we risk burning out. We 'grow weary while doing good.' What's the answer? 'He restores my soul.' (Psalm 23:3 NKJV) The word 'restores' has two parts: 'rest' and 'store'. Relax physically, and replenish spiritually. That's what to do when you feel down! I hope you will apply this to your life and not "grow weary in doing good!" You are loved...

Feeling Down (1)

 

'...We will stand in Your presence...cry out to You...and You will hear us and save us.' 2 Chronicles 20:9 NIV

I was asked one time, 'Do you ever feel down?' 'Sure,' I responded. 'What do you do about it?' they asked. 'I get up again. Being down isn't my problem - staying down is. I'm either up, or I'm getting up. I've learned not to park in between.'
Although feeling down is universal, I believe God warns us to guard our hearts against its two most common causes: fear and fatigue. Let's look at fear today:

Fear: When Edomite armies marched against Israel's king, fear gripped him and his nation. Feeling powerless, they feared losing their God-given land and possessions. If the stress of the last few years has left you feeling fearful, do what Judah's king did. He turned to God and prayed: 'Whenever we are faced with any calamity...we can...stand in Your presence...We can cry out to You...and You will hear us and rescue us.' (2 Chronicles 20:9 NLT) How amazing are those words of faith. Faith moves you into action to do something not stand idol. Don't let fear cause you to abandon your hope and your vision. Instead, stand in God's presence, cry out to Him, and watch Him rescue you. Throughout the Old Testament, God reminded His people of His track record of goodness. He wanted them to remember it and take courage. But sometimes fear would cloud their memory and they'd begin to doubt. Sound familiar? So He told them, 'Do not be...discouraged...the battle is not yours, but [Mine].' (2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV) In other words, 'You don't have to defeat the foe, that's My job. I'm in charge; trust Me to work it out.' So remember Who's in control of your circumstances today. Stand in His presence, believe His promise! You are loved...

Put Your Faith into Action!

 

'If you know these things...do them.' John 13:17 NKJV

Great service yesterday! Thanks for allowing me freedom to push your thought patterns as we looked at the basic's of Christianity. So today I'm going to push them a little farther. The Bible says, 'Faith without works is dead.' (James 2:20 NKJV) Certain prayers only get answered when you take action. When the woman with the issue of blood took the initiative, pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus' garment, He told her, 'Take heart...your faith has healed you.' (Matthew 9:22 NIV) And on another occasion we read, 'As He entered a certain village, there met Him ten...lepers...they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" So...He said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests..."' (Luke 17:12-14 NKJV) According to Jewish law, an unclean person discovered in the vicinity of the temple could be stoned to death. So by following Jesus' instructions these people were literally putting their lives on the line. But they did it, and 'as they went they were cleansed.' (Luke 17:14 NKJV) Jesus said, 'If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.' Your decisions and actions are based on what you believe. That's why I've been spending so much time in Ephesians going over the basic's of our faith. Listen: 'Anybody can believe...sitting in church, or when all is right in their life. But when you get outside, you find out what you've really got... Healing power was obviously available, and these men believed Jesus could heal them. That's why they came to him in the first place. They didn't doubt His ability...The key was, as soon as they did what Jesus told them they were healed.' So the word for you today is: Put your faith into action. You are loved!

Overcome Bitterness

 

'Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others...' Ephesians 4:31 CEV


A man who had been bitten by a rattlesnake was rushed to the hospital. When he asked the doctor, 'Is it life-threatening?' the doctor said, 'The bite isn't, but the poison is.' The 'bites' you suffer at the hands of others are painful and upsetting, but they're not lethal.

What happens to you normally doesn't destroy you, but what happens in you afterwards can. Like venom, bitterness first poisons your mind, then your relationships. It causes you to replay the hurt until it controls you, stealing the future God planned for you. But it doesn't have to be that way. You can overcome bitterness. God says, 'Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others.' And what God commands, He will give you the grace to do. When Peter asked Jesus, 'Should I forgive my brother seven times?' Jesus said, 'No, you must forgive him seventy times seven.' (Matthew 18:21-22) In other words, 'Forgive, and keep on forgiving until it no longer bothers you.' What causes bitterness?

Anger that's allowed to take residence in your thought-life. God's purpose for anger is to motivate you to tap into His power for solving problems; otherwise they become permanent. Solving the problem resolves and relieves your anger. But anger can become long-term bitterness when you fixate on 'who did it to me', making you hostile, critical, blaming and punitive. You say, 'Can I really stop my anger?' Yes, with God's help you can control your reactions and behaviors, and starve your anger to death. 'The fruit of the Spirit is...self-control.' (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV) So learn how to apply this in your life and watch God change you...you are loved!

How to Raise a Timothy

 

'...Your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice...' 2 Timothy 1:5 NIV

Leaving your mark on your children isn't voluntary, but leaving a godly mark on them is. It's something that Amy and I have done to the best of our abilities. Our boys are men now, and we're grateful that God was with us in our parenting. If your children are still young, the seeds you sow today will continue to grow in them lifelong. Paul saw in Timothy the potential harvest he'd produce for Christ. He saw, too, that the fruit originated with the root: a mother and grandmother who were sold out for Christ.

What an encouragement for all of us whether we maybe married, widowed, divorced, or single mothers or fathers.These two women raised a servant of God and whatever the situation in your life you can too.

What does it take to raise a Timothy? Two things: (1) It takes a role model. Paul spoke of Timothy's 'sincere (Greek: un-hypocritical) faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and...now lives in you.' The faith they imparted 'first lived in' each of them. If it's to live in our kids, they must first see it living in us. In a world where fakes sometimes masquerade as Christians, genuine faith stands out like a beacon against the night sky. Our children have a built-in 'detector' that picks up on counterfeits and rejects them. But the genuine article will draw them like a magnet. (2) It takes teaching God's Word. Timothy's mother and grandmother planted the Scriptures in the receptive soil of his young heart before the surrounding culture could get to him. Paul reminded him 'how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures.' (2 Timothy 3:15 NIV) That's how to raise a Timothy. You are loved...

Love your Kids!

 

'Here am I, and the children the Lord has given me...' Isaiah 8:18 NIV

One of the things Amy and I tried to do is love our kids as God had intended. It wasn't easy with all the pressures of our world. You love them so much and want so much for them. Just like us you may not be able to give your children everything you'd like to, or everything they want, but here are four things you can do for them: (1) Connect with them. The story's told of a couple who decided to buy a new playpen for a friend, on the arrival of her sixth child. A year later the friend wrote back saying, 'Thank you for the pen. It's wonderful - I sit in it every afternoon and read, and the children can't get near me.' Seriously, what do you really know about your child? Their struggles, their heroes, their music, their friends, their fears, their dreams? If your answer is 'not much,' start making changes right away! (2) Listen to them. If some of us paid as much attention to our garden as we did to our children, we'd be living in a weed patch. You'll never understand your child until you take time to listen to what they're saying - and what they're not saying. (3) Believe in them. As a child, the great Caruso was told by a music teacher that he had no talent at all. Parent, make sure your voice is the loudest. Build their confidence; give them the faith and self-worth required to overcome the obstacles they'll face in life. (4) Let them see God in you. Three kids were discussing their fathers. One said, 'My father knows the mayor.' Another said, 'My father knows the governor.' Confidently the third said, 'That's nothing; my father knows God!' Dad, Mom, do you know God? If you don't, commit your life to Him today and show them God through you! You are loved...

What's your Rooster

     

'There is...no condemnation...' Romans 8:1 NKJV

Booker T. Washington tells a wonderful story about his mother. Every morning of his young life, he, along with all the plantation slaves, was awakened by the crow of a rooster. Long before daybreak the unwelcome noise would fill the shanties, reminding Washington and his fellow workers to crawl out of bed and leave for the cotton fields. That rooster's crow came to symbolize a life of long days and backbreaking labor. But then came the Emancipation Proclamation. Abraham Lincoln pronounced freedom for all slaves. The first morning after, young Booker was awakened by the rooster again. Only this time his mother was chasing it around the barnyard with an axe. That day the Washington family fried and ate their alarm clock for lunch. Their first act of freedom was to silence the reminder of their slavery. Are any roosters stealing your sleep? You might need to sharpen the blade. The great news of the Gospel is, yes, His grace is real, and so is your freedom! 'There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.' Forget your sins for God's sake, because when you keep bringing them up you bother Him! Does that sound too strong for you? Then read what God says about your sins: 'I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.' (Isaiah 43:25 NKJV) God has buried your sins in the 'depths of the sea' (Micah 7:19 NIV) and posted a sign beside it which reads, 'No fishing in these waters.' So figure out what's you're rooster and watch God take care of it...you are loved!

Hindrances to Prayer (2)

'...You do not have, because you do not ask...' James 4:2 NIV

As I was thinking through why we don't get answered prayer, a couple more things came to mind:
(1) Failure to pray. You know what I'm talking about...There are hundreds of prayers for specific things mentioned in the Bible and many instances given where answers are provided. The Bible is chockfull of prayers - and answers. Our problem is, we spend a lot of time talking about prayer and fail to get down to the business of praying. Something we must learn is that 'Prayer... releases the energies of God.' The goal of prayer is not to overcome God's reluctance, but to believe Him and take hold of His willingness. His Word says: 'You do not have, because you do not ask.' No praying man or woman accomplishes so much with so little expenditure of time, as when he or she is praying. Until you learn to pray in faith and wait on God for the answer, you'll get nowhere. (2) Failure to care. When the Israelites complained that God wasn't answering their prayers He told them, 'Stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly...share your food with the hungry...Clothe those who are cold and don't hide from [those] who need your help. If you do these things...the Lord will answer.' (Isaiah 58:6-9 TLB) Sin and unbelief are not the only things that hinder your prayers; self-centered living will! If that's your situation, stop thinking about your own needs and focus on the needs of others. By the way, Unforgiveness stops our connection as well. So do what you know is right, start praying and watch what your God will do. You are loved...

Prayer (1)

'...So that nothing will hinder your prayers.' 1 Peter 3:7 NIV

I love this picture of Avory here at a men's prayer breakfast. Just so you know I'm not picking on Avory in any way, He's quite content to sleep as we pray. His dad brought him along and I was so thankful he came. But our prayer lives can become like one sleeping through the process, or be hindered by things in our lives and we not even know it. Here are two hindrances to answered prayer I want to look at today: (1) Unconfessed sin. 'Your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.' (Isaiah 59:2 NIV) As a believer, God expects you to walk in obedience. 'What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.' (Micah 6:8 NIV) Notice, these are 'requirements.' If you don't meet them you're wasting your time praying, unless it's a prayer of repentance. You must seek God's forgiveness, and then He will hear your prayers. (2) Unresolved conflict. 'Husbands...be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect...so that nothing will hinder your prayers.' There's no point praying if you are always fighting with one another. 'Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.' (1 John 2:9 NIV) God will answer when you come out into the light, deal with the thing that drove you apart, and attempt to mend the relationship. Now, sometimes it isn't possible to make amends. 'If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.' (Romans 12:18 NIV) Sometimes the other person would rather keep the issue alive than accept your apology. When that happens, look into your heart. Do you really want restoration, or would you rather place blame and let things fester? If your attempts have been wholehearted and honest, God won't let a broken relationship stand in the way of your prayers. But if your attempts have been half-hearted and self-serving, try again - this time for real. You are loved...

Stop Doubting

 

'...Perfect love casts out fear...' 1 John 4:18 NKJV

Are you trying your best to serve the Lord, yet you sometimes doubt your salvation? From time to time that question may pop into your thought process though you're unaware of any particular sin in your life. You still feel unworthy to stand in God's presence even though there's no reason to doubt. If you doubt God's word has the remedy...Read this Scripture. Better yet, write it down and carry it with you: 'Perfect love casts out fear.' Now, if God loved you with an imperfect love you'd have cause to worry. Man's love, which is imperfect, keeps a list of sins and consults it often. But not God's love. The moment you place your trust in Christ He views you as 'righteous' and fully accepted from that point on. His love casts out your fear because it casts out your sin. Do you remember these words from John's epistle? 'If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.' (1 John 3:20 NKJV) That means it's possible to be forgiven, yet feel unforgiven. So when you feel unforgiven, doubt your feelings instead of doubting God. Don't give your emotions a vote. Go back to Scripture. God's Word outranks all self-criticism and self-doubt. As Paul told Titus: 'The grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people...You must teach these things... You have the authority.' (Titus 2:11-15 NLT) Are you trusting in Christ as your Saviour? Then begin to love boldly and live robustly. Nothing fosters courage like a clear grasp of grace. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' (1 John 1:9 NKJV) Note the words, 'All unrighteousness.' Having received God's forgiveness, live forgiven! It will change your life...you are loved.