Thursday, January 28, 2016

Reading the Bible

I am convinced that the church must reconnect with reading the Bible. I still believe that the Bible is God's Holy Word and that it was inspired through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Many commentators are referring to America as a nation of "spiritual illiterates." These words reflect a lack of knowledge and understanding of the basis of our belief as Christians. The foundation of our faith is found in the Truth revealed in the Word of God. A recent survey that I read revealed some startling statistics. I will share two (2) of them with you. "60% of Americans cannot name more than five of the Ten Commandments. 50% of Americans cannot name all four Gospels." These numbers reveal the fact that we have a problem in America.

I tremble when I say this but I do believe it is true. That same epidemic of not reading the Bible consistently and intentionally is invading the church world. We have more access to the Bible than ever before but we fail to spend much time in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. We want to be up to date in all other aspects of life but fail to see the need to continue to grow in our knowledge of the Word of God. Culture says that our ability to focus and concentrate is lower than it has ever been. Our attention span is shorter according to these "experts." But we can set for several hours watching movies, television shows, sporting events and many other activities. Yet, we find ourselves bored or out of touch with the Word of God very quickly. I enjoy the Bible because I am drawn to the Author. The Author shares true, genuine and authentic Words that encourage and strengthen me on my journey. Is it possible that we need to become reacquainted with the Author? 

I want to share some words that the Author of the Bible shared with the Apostle Paul. He wrote them in a letter that he sent to the church at Thessalonica. We discussed a portion of this letter last night in our Discipleship Class. Let the Word of God speak to your heart today as you read it, ingest it, digest it and apply it to your everyday life.

I Thessalonians 5:11-19, "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil." (NKJV)

Blessings on you as you read the Word of God!!!

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Food for Thought

I Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing." (NKJV)

I am confident that many of you who read this post today have heard this scripture passage either read or quoted on several occasions. It has been used to stir our passion concerning prayer and it has also served as a reminder to us that prayer is an important discipline in the life of each individual believer. But we also need to remember that this passage is part of the closing portion of the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Thessalonica. Undoubtedly it can have a corporate meaning as well as an individual meaning.

I truly believe that the Spirit raised this passage in my heart yesterday as I was driving home after a very busy day of ministry. I began to think about this passage in various ways that had never entered my process of thought before yesterday. I was already a believer as well as a practitioner of the importance of Prayer. I am convinced that the church is called to pray and that there are individuals within a local congregation that have a "calling or ministry" to serve as Intercessors or what we have called Prayer Warriors. Many of us are finally realizing that we are living in a world of spiritual warfare. Prayer is one of the tools/weapons that God has provided for His people to use as we make war against our spiritual enemies. 

Let me share a few thoughts that came into my spirit on yesterday. There will always be people/situations/challenges/needs/etc. for us to pray about. "Pray without ceasing." There will always be different people praying at different times about different people/situations. "Pray without ceasing." Our daily lives should always contain moments in which we bow our hearts in prayer. "Pray without ceasing." The need or opportunity to pray will arise at moments other than the time that we spend in church. "Pray without ceasing." There will always be people who will ask you to ask your church family to pray for them and the needs that they are facing. "Pray without ceasing."

I was encouraged as I was reminded that there is never a wrong time to pray. We are called to be praying people. Do not wait to pray until you have to pray. Prayer is our way to connect with our Heavenly Father who is always aware of our needs as well as the needs of everyone else. Let prayer become a part of your daily regimen and begin to notice the difference that it WILL MAKE IN YOU!!!

"PRAY WITHOUT CEASING."


Monday, January 25, 2016

TODAY

Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." (NKJV) (Emphasis added)

I was awakened with this passage of scripture being brought to my attention. I really do not fully understand the reasoning behind this inspiration other than the fact that I believe God wanted to remind me of its importance so that I could remind you of its importance. I would like to focus on the first four (4) words of this passage.

I am going to use these words to emphasis the word "today." Is it possible that we overlook the possibilities of today while we are waiting on our tomorrows to arrive? Is it possible that we overlook the blessings of today while we are awaiting our next round of blessings from God to arrive? Is it possible that we overlook our family and friends today as we await the arrival of some special event to take place in their lives? Is it possible that we will wait for that special moment to arrive and then we will choose to celebrate them? Why don't we just choose to celebrate them today? 

I may need to offer a short disclaimer at this point in this post. This concern about the word today began percolating in my spirit yesterday (Sunday). In a short period of time I received five (5) separate prayer requests concerning a death of a loved one. One of these were connected with our church family while the others were connected with people that I know that were sharing their request on the behalf of others. 

These requests once again reinforced the message in the book of James concerning the brevity of life. Life is truly a vapor that is here for a short time and then it vanishes away. This post is not being written from a morbid point of view rather it is being written with a desire to remind EACH OF US to appreciate today and enjoy the day that God has given to us. 

I want to close with some words that are written by Joe Gibbs, former NFL Head Coach as well as NASCAR car owner.

"Os Guinness mentions this quote from a 90-year-old Winston Churchill: "Life has been a grand journey—well worth making once." Once. That's all we get. No dry runs. No do-overs. This day you're living now is not a dress rehearsal  or a practice lap. You're on the stage. You're in the game. Start playing. What this kind of thinking does is rip the disguise off today, revealing it to be every bit as momentous as the first morning on a new job or the night before major surgery. There are things to be said. Today. There are people to take notice of. Today. There are ordinary decisions to take seriously. Today. As the Bible says, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12)."

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Word of God

I am going to take somewhat of a different approach to today's blog post. I am a strong believer in the power and authority of the Word of God. My spirit was reminded this morning that we spend a lot of time reading information about the Word of God and very little time reading the Word of God. I am not saying that this action or activity is sinful on our part. I realize that the teaching and preaching of the Word of God serves mankind as a means that God uses to challenge our process of thinking concerning God and His plan for our lives. I am thankful for the inspiration that God has shared with writers, teachers, and preachers that have poured into my life through the years of my spiritual journey. BUT I AM ALSO THANKFUL FOR THE PURE WORD OF GOD THAT HAS BEEN SHARED WITH THIS WORLD!! The Word of God still speaks life and strength to those who will take the time to read the Word, meditate on the Word and make application of the Word of God!!

Let us read the Word of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c]against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-" (NKJV)

Blessings on your walk with Christ!!!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Today's Reminder

I am constantly amazed at God's ability to bring the proper reminder or encouragement to us at the most appropriate times in our lives. I am sitting at my desk looking out the window as I am typing these words. It is snowing today but I am reminded that Spring is only two months away. That reminder will come in handy when I go outside later this morning to shovel my driveway. LOL

But on a very serious note, I did read some words today that reminded me that God is certainly aware of the needs in our lives as well as the struggles and battles that we face. I garnered this thought from one of my devotionals today. "God is a REAL GOD who recognizes the REAL issues/challenges that REAL PEOPLE face on a daily basis." God is not far away from His children but is very much aware of their location. He also has a great desire to be an active part of our lives if we will take the initiative to invite Him into our life on a daily basis. I can testify to the fact that I have witnessed the "realness" of God in my life and in the lives of my family as well as many brothers and sisters in Christ. I do not want to let go of the promise of His daily presence in my life.

I thought of two passages of scripture that I referenced in a recent message at New River. Let the Word of God speak a powerful reminder into your heart and life today!!

I Corinthians 10:12-13, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (NLT)  2 Peter 2:9, then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,” (NKJV)

Monday, January 18, 2016

Overcoming Temptation

We are entering the third week of Prayer & Fasting. I could sense a deeper presence of God as I prayed this morning. I truly believe that God will draw near to those who choose to draw near to Him. I am thankful that the death of Christ made it possible that I could enter into the presence of God and offer Him my praise as well as my petitions. 

I would like to share a brief snippet from the message that I shared at New River on Sunday. The enemy certainly seeks to bring all types of temptations into our lives but we can rest assured that God is aware of each of these and that He has provided a way of escape for each of us.

I Corinthians 10:12-13, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.  And God is faithful.  He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.  When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (NLT)

The Spirit encouraged the Apostle Paul to teach us that satan, our arch-enemy has a arsenal full of strategies, devices, or tactics that he will use to overthrow and overwhelm us. Let us remember that the ultimate goal of satan is to bring spiritual defeat to our lives. But we can rely on the Truth of God to provide the strength; courage and boldness that we need to resist and rebuke these tactics of satan. There are schemes and deceptive plots being designed by a very real enemy who is always planning his next move against you and against me. Romans chapter 8 is a treasure house of spiritual Truth as we understand the inspiration that the Spirit placed in the Apostle Paul’s heart. The Spirit reminds us that we are free from sin because the Spirit of Christ lives in us. The Spirit reminds us that we are sons and daughters of God because we have been adopted into the family of God and we have the privilege of calling God, “Abba Father.” The Word reveals this truth to us; “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (v. 26) (Emphasis added)

I am making the choice to depend on the promises and provisions of God to lead and guide me down and through the path of life that lies in front of me. 

Friday, January 15, 2016

Praise Reports

I have shared many posts on this blog regarding the importance of the development of a consistent prayer life. Many of us have joined ourselves with other believers during a time of Prayer and Fasting these first few weeks of January. I am participating in this effort because I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER!! I truly believe that God hears us when we call out to Him.

Last year we formed a Prayer Team at New River. We encouraged people to submit prayer requests to this group of Intercessors. There have been times through this past year that the list contained over 200 requests that had been submitted by our congregation as well as others who have heard about the Prayer List. We have received many "amazing answers" during this prayer effort. Those answers to prayer continues to this very day. I received an update this morning from the lady that is spearheading and leading this ministry. As a matter of fact the Spirit of God inspired her heart in the beginning as she began to feel the burden for the needs of others. The words "having a burden for others" could be classified as "old school terminology" since we live in a world that emphasizes "the me mentality." But I am thankful that there are still Christians who take the time to pray for someone other than themselves. I will avoid the temptation to make any further comments about "spiritual selfishness" until a later post.

I want to share a portion of the praise reports that she shared with us today. I do this to exalt the name of Christ and to encourage someone today to keep praying for your "prayer list." Don't give up on praying and don't give in to the tactics of satan.

Donna Simpson's mother returned home from rehab Wednesday 1/13. She is doing amazing well according to Donna. We will continue to lift her up in prayer as she continues on her journey of healing. 

I have to pause right here and tell you that I personally witnessed the Lord's hand upon Donna's mother throughout this entire process. The morning of the surgery there was so much fear that all Donna & I could do was cry together. We prayed for everything that we could think of before she left pre-op and an instant peace filled our hearts. I knew the Lord had her because the peace immediately cast out the fear. Her hospital stay was good as well as the rehab. But God took over and became her physician. There is a lot more to this story but I will just say, let God arise and His enemies be scattered. We are believing God for a full clean bill of health for Toni. God is so amazing that there are no real words to describe this wonderful love that He has for us.

We have a lady by the name of Connie for the unspoken request list. Today I received a phone call from her. She is going through a divorce and her world has been torn apart. Connie is the lady I told you about a few months back that went to see the movie "War Room" and opened up her own closet with the names of those who she wanted to give to God and that little closet became her own War Room. Her anger from the divorce was taken into her War Room and she fought the good fight of faith by praying for the ones who had hurt her. She had not seen her 5 grand babies or daughter for over a year and she felt like she was all alone. I kept telling her, Connie don't give up because your name is on this prayer list and God is working everything out behind the scenes, keep praying, keep believing and wait upon the the Lord's timing. Well Prayer Team guess what the phone call was about today? She got to see her daughter, son in law and 5 grand babies. Somebody give Jesus a shout of praise. 

I have had reports of people getting closer to being set free from their bondage. These are people who are on our addiction /deliverance list.

PRAISE GOD FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS!!!

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Scriptures for Today

Galatians 3;26-28, "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NKJV) 

This passage of scripture grabbed my attention this morning as I was reading during my devotional time. We are often warned about the need to "guard our identity" from a natural point of view. Many of us do our very best to accomplish that goal on a daily basis. 

This portion of the Word of God was a wonderful reminder of my true "spiritual identity." It is a blessing to realize, know and live in the knowledge that I am a "son of God." It is a blessing to be a part of the family of God and realize that satan can not steal that identity from me. I have been covered by the blood of Jesus that was shed on Calvary for me. I may choose to surrender my "spiritual passport" but the enemy of my soul can not revoke my identity as a child of God. 

Remember your identity as you are praying today. You come to the Father as a loving member of His family. He is ready to listen to the cry of your heart. 

Monday, January 11, 2016

2nd Week of Prayer & Fasting

I firmly believe that God has provided through His Word certain "spiritual strategies" that will lead us to victory. I must decide to "put on the whole armor of God" so that I can withstand the tactics of the enemy!! 

I am asking that you continue to join with me in prayer during this second week of seeking after the heart of God for our individual lives as well as the lives of our family, friends, New River, and the corporate family of God. You will also have many other requests to add to the list that I will share with you. I have said and written these words before but I will write them once more; "There is power in agreement." Mountains are moved when we come into agreement with our brothers and sisters in Christ. These 21 days of Corporate Prayer is a wonderful opportunity for the family of God to agree with each other in prayer. 

I would like to share some more "Prayer Boosters" for this week of prayer for you to consider and incorporate into your time of Prayer.

  Monday: Praise God for Jesus Christ who came to seek and save those who are lost. (Luke 15:1-31)

  Tuesday: Give thanks for the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. (Romans 1:16)

  Wednesday: Recall your personal testimony of salvation and thank God for His deliverance. (Psalm 40:1-3)

  Thursday: Ask God for send forth laborers into the harvest. (Matthew 9:37-38)

  Friday: Ask the Father to raise up excellent, anointed ministries to the young harvest of children and youth. (Matthew 19:14, Acts 2:17)

  Saturday: Intercede for unsaved individuals you know personally and claim the following promises for them (John 14:6, Romans 10:9-11, Matthew 18:18).

  Sunday: Pray that God's Kingdom will come and His will be done in individual's hearts, families, cities, nations, and the world, even as it is in Heaven. (Matthew 6:9-13)

NOTE: These 'Prayer Boosters" were provided by Scott Gillum, a dear friend and brother in Christ.

Psalm 118:5-6, "When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (NIV)

Please remember that you are not alone when you pray. The presence of the Lord is with you and you have brothers and sisters in Christ who are joining with you in prayer!!!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Prayer for 2016

21 days of Prayer and Fasting has been set aside during the month of January for the past several years. Once again I have decided to join with those spiritual leaders who are calling for that effort in 2016. I am sure that many of us realize that America is in need of another "Spiritual Awakening" that would rival those of our spiritual yesterdays. I am also one of those who believe that God is not finished with the church in America and that there are "greater things yet to be done" in the community in which you reside. I publicly refuse to stop praying for the spirit of revival to flood our nation one more time. But I also believe that it will begin in people such as you and I who sense the need for more of God at this critical time in our history.

I felt led to place this scripture before our local church as the theme for our 21 days of Prayer and Fasting. James 4:8a, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." (NKJV) You may have read this passage many times throughout your journey with Christ. But it reminds us of one the greatest promises of the Bible. God will come near to us if we will come near to Him. Prayer is one of the methods that God uses to bring this promise to pass in our lives. God recognizes each of us as we approach Him in the spiritual discipline of prayer. Our communication with God provides one of the "spiritual vehicles" that brings us into the presence of God. We need to develop an attitude in which we look forward to spending time in the presence of God. I want the desire to pray to grow stronger as I move through this coming year.

Will you take the time to pray for yourself, your family, your spiritual leaders, your church family, our nation, our world and those special requests that are presented to you? According to the Bible God desires to hear your voice calling out to Him. He will come near to you as you come near to Him!!!