Pointers for Prayer (Part 4)

Because this post has lasted all week long, I will lump the last two points together and shorten their explanations.

1. Pray in Acknowledgment of the Father
2. Pray in Accordance with God’s Will
3. Pray in Accordance with Your Need
4. Pray with A Clean Heart
5. Pray in Accordance to Your Wants

Let’s Look at the last two:

-     A Clean Heart – “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”  The condition of our heart ought to be HOLY.  Pure, clean, cleansed!  1 Peter 3:12 – “FOr the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open unto their prayers.”   If we expect God to hear our prayers.  They must be from a cleansed heart.

-     According to your Wants – it is not always our desire (if fact, it is mostly never our desire) to be lead into a trial.  Who wants them?!  If we look at the words of Christ, before He left the Garden He prayed, “Let this cup pass from me…”  He prayed according to His personal desire.  Yet, He did not stop there and make that the only quality of His prayer.  He submitted Himself to the Father and said “…not my will, but thine be done.”  May our prayers follow suit to Christ’s  I trust these Pointers on the Template of Prayer are a help to you!

Now remember, Christ wants us to use these (as he said) WHEN YOU PRAY…

…………Assuming you already are.

 

Pointers for Prayer (Part 3)

We have look already at the first two aspects of prayer that Christ emphasizes in Matthew 6:9-13.  Now, let’s look at number 3!

- Pray According to your Need – “Give us this day our daily bread…” I Don’t know about you, but I have a certain way of getting ahead of myself.  I must constantly remind myself to prioritize and to focus more on the necessities – being sure needs are met before I move on the the less important. A song has come to my mind to illustrate this point.  Let’s trust God with our needs.

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow:

I don’t know about tomorrow,I just live from day to day.

I don’t borrow from it’s sunshine, for its skies may turn to gray.

I don’t worry o’er the future: for I know what Jesus said.

And today I’ll walk beside Him for He knows what is ahead.

I don’t know about tomorrow; It may bring me poverty.

But the one who feeds the sparrow, Is the one who stands by me.

And the path that is my portion May be through the flame or flood;

But His presence goes before me And I’m covered with His blood.  

Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand. 

But I know who holds tomorrow. And I know who holds my hand.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  Pray according to need. Don’t worry about tomorrow, God is already there.

 

Pointers for Prayer (Part 2)

(A continuation from yesterday’s post)

We are examining the “Prayer Template” that Jesus relays to us from His Sermon on the Mount: “Pointers for Prayer”

1. Pray in Acknowledgment of the Father – “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name…” Tell God who He is to you and what Honor He deserves.
2. Pray in Accordance to His Will - “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” The prince and power of the air in this world is Satan, the Devil.  He has much more control than we are comfortable to recognizing.  Yet, our Father is in total control of the climate, conduct and conditions of heaven.  In heaven, His desire is accomplished (“as it is in heaven”).  On earth, the scenario is much different.  Yes, God is in control.  He is God!  But, He is long-suffering (2 Peter 3).  In other words, He is “long-allowing.”  He is in control, and though He would not necessarily desire for things to be the way they are today in this world, He allows them to occur.  (As a side note: God does use forms of “natural disaster” for judgment, but He is not necessarily behind the destruction of this world [or the temptations/trials we face].  The sin nature of man is behind many of the atrocities of the day, and further, Satan himself has much power – enough to cause a tsunami or an earthquake.  Just some food for thought)  Because this world system is run by the desires of men, we must pray for the desire of God to be done.  As it already is in heaven, may it also be on earth.  We must pray “Thy will be done…”  As we pray in accordance to God’s will “on earth” we must remember that our will  is not always God’s will.  I remember, when I was a kid, my parents don’t want me to play in the street.  And for some reason, the black top always looked better than sidewalk.  You know, clunking over all the joints and cracks in the sidewalk, skateboarding and rollerblading was made harder.  ”If I could ride in the street, THEN I could learn how to skate!”  My parents had good reasons for not wanting me “playing” in the street.  For one, they probably recognized my inability to skateboard!  Maybe they envisioned me wiping-out (a typical occurrence) in front of the re-routed SEPTA bus that would then crush every bone in my body, leaving me little to no life left.  You see, my parents “will” was best for me, whether I liked it or not.  Let’s pray in accordance with God’s will.  It’s better for us!  The grass is NOT always greener.  If it is, it’s probably growing over the septic tank.  ”His way is Perfect!”

 

Pointers For Prayer

In the middle of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:9-13, He cites what most in Christianity call “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is not actually a prayer, just a “template” for our prayers. I think I might just spend a little time over the next few posts explaining a few of these pointers.  

Here is a brief overview of what our format for prayer should be according to these pointers from Jesus himself.

1. Pray in Acknowledgement of The Father – “Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name…”  Isn’t it nice to receive compliments?!  Ladies, when someone tells you “You look really nice today,” (even if you know this to be true) isn’t it great to hear it from someone else?  Guys, after an incredulous act of bravery or athletic genius, don’t you like to hear a by-stander say, “That was awesome.  You are my hero.”  I dare say, God would LOVE to hear us tell Him what we truly believe of Him.  He wants to hear us say, “Father, you are wonderful to me.  I truly do not deserve your love.  Thank you for being my Father.  Thank you for the amazing gift of life you give me daily.  You are worthy of more than I could ever give.”  When you pray, go ahead and remind God of who He is to you! Focus on this aspect of prayer today!

 

Never Quit on God

Christ is, without a doubt, the greatest example of commitment for the believer today. We read prophesies, fulfillment, and witnessing testimonies of the agonizing trail leading to a final crucifixion that is beyond imagination. Christ in many ways teaches us to pursue through the darkness of grim and seemingly unbearable situations in life, because there is a greater purpose. For Christ, it was my eternal salvation. He didn’t quit on God. He did exactly what God sent Him to do – seek and save the lost.
Next to Jesus Christ, I believe the greatest portrayal of Commitment is found in the life of Job. I think we have a hard time understanding the extent to which his trials had gone. Or, maybe we just forget. Let me list a few of his trials…
1. Most of his servants were killed. (his employees…hence, there goes his business)
2. His Camels were stolen. (form of transportation…his cars all stolen
3. His Sheep were burned to death. (his lively-hood…his business burned down)
4. His Sons and Daughters were crushed to death. (his heritage…all of his children dead in an awful accident.)
- 1:22 “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”
The trial goes on and on. Yet, through it all he was yet an example to his wife of good leadership, he sinned not with his lips, and maintained his commitment to the Lord.
How would you do in this scenario? Would you foolishly blame God for all of this? Or would you uphold your relationship with Him even higher than before?
Job’s words in chapter 27 have been a challenge for me today. Take them with you.
27:5 – “…til I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.”

Winners don’t quit. That’s why they win.

DON’T QUIT ON GOD!

 

Meditation

Psalm 23:1

The Lord = All-powerful, all-knowing, Creator, Eternal Father, Unchanging, Everlasting, Provider, Sustainer, Giver of Life, Savior, Protector, God

is = presently, undoubtedly

my = because of my acceptance of His eternal salvation I belong to Jesus.  And Jesus belongs to me.

Shepherd = guide, protector, provider, shelter, lovingly watches, pilot, mentor, counsel, companion, director, instructor, overseer, leader, nurturing, tending, caring, defending

I shall not want = never will I have needs beyond His ability to aid and protect.  I shall never lack necessities for He is ever with me.  He satisfies me. He knows my needs.  He never withholds good from those who follow Him.  Never have I seen the righteous forsaken, nor their seed begging bread.  Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of your heart.  He will never leave me.  He will never forsake me.  He shall bring it to pass.  His timing is always best.  God never wastes anything.  I can totally trust in Him.  You shall be fed.  The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.

 

 

 

Ridiculous Or Right On!

1Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

They may honestly think you’re crazy.
They may laugh and mock God’s word.
They might even slam the door.
But, the Gospel must be heard!

It may not make much sense,
God dying for the human race.
To the world it sounds like foolishness.
To the Saved, it sounds like Grace.

 

False Faith?

Profession without Practice: False Faith

Professions without Practice are Worthless. – v. 14  (of no value or profit; Empty) Have you ever met someone who says one thing and does another. 1 John 3:17-18 – Empty professions of love are contrasted with the living reality.

Professions will not save you. – v. 14

1. For a long time I was unsure of whether I was saved or not.  I went through a period of what seemed like years where I prayed, prayed, and prayed what we call “The Sinner’s Prayer.”  I felt like I wasn’t saved.  Looking back at my experience, I believe now that I truly was saved at a younger age when I first professed Christ but I had allowed sin to rule in my life.  This caused me to doubt whether I was truly saved.  To make up for my feelings, I prayed again and again, saying, “Lord, if I’m not saved, save me.”  I was professing to Him that I believed in Him but the truth is, it’s not the words/professions that save.  It is the acceptance, by faith, of Jesus Christ’s atonement that saves.
2. I do not want to take for granted that all here have true assurance of their faith.  Please understand.  It is not what you said, or how you felt that determines your eternal destiny/state.  It is what you believe (in whom you believe).

Professions without Practice are a Hindrance. – vv. 15-16

1. May change feelings
2. Does not change reality (situation)

Professions without Practice are Degrading. – vv. 15-16

1.  “Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled” –
2. “The sight of distress is unpleasant to these dainty Christians.  They bustle out the wretched-looking brother or sister with seeming kindness and what sounds like an order to others to provide for their immediate relief, but without taking any step to carry out the order…to have said directly ‘go and get warm, go and eat’ would have been giving an order which it was plainly not in their power to obey [emphasis mine].” – J.B. Mayor, The Epistle of Saint James, 1892
3. Recognizes the need, speaks to the need, but has no intent of ministering to the need.

Professions without Practice are Hypocritical – v. 17

1. False Expression of Care & Concern (CONTEXT)
2. True faith WILL result in fruit – Matt. 7:20

I hope you faith is real!!  I pray that your professions are from the heart and not a plea for acceptance in the church.  False faith? Or True Trust?

 

Abortion

If Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived in the year 2012, I wonder if the thought of Abortion every would have crossed her mind.  I understand that it probably wouldn’t have – she was a very godly young woman.  But, given the circumstances, if abortion was a normal thing in her day, there probably would have been some that would advise her to “cover up the pregnancy” and abort the “fetus.”

Most of you reading this have already predetermined your stand on abortion.  But, what is the basis for your belief?  Could you back it with scripture?

Here are some thoughts to consider.

Life Begins at Conception – I like the passage in Luke chapter 2.  Verse 5 says that Mary was “great with CHILD.“  I think there was a reason God did not use the word fetus or embryo.  He used the word “child” because it was exactly that.  A young human life – a child.

God Abhors The Murder of the Innocent – Proverbs 6:17 - “A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,”

God is involved in conception:  He is the Giver of life.

• Gen. 29:31 – “[the Lord] opened her [Leah's] womb”
• Gen. 30:22 – “And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.”
• Judges 13:3-5 – “committed to God from the womb”
• Ruth 4:13 – The Lord gave her conception.

God is Involved in Forming of Children in the Womb: God is not only the Giver but also the Designer.  He gives us each of our features and created us just a He wanted us to be.

• Job 10:8-12 – fashioned: worked, formed with the hands
• Psalm 127:3; 139:12-16
• Isa. 49:1, 5 – formed = designed/ made
• Jer. 1:5 – He forms and knows us in the womb.

God Created us in His Image: Therefore, there is a sacredness or sanctity of human life.

• Gen. 1:26,27
• Psalm 8:3-8

 

Twas the Night Before Christmas

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS By Pastor Alfred C. Smith

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the land,

Folks came to be taxed at Caesar’s command.

Joseph placed Mary on the donkey with care,

In hopes that in Bethlehem — room would be there.

The Jews were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of Messiah formed in their heads.

Herod in his robe and his servants in caps,

Had just settled down for the long night’s lapse.

While out in the streets of Bethlehem, filled with such chatter,

Joseph’s and Mary’s hopes went a ‘shatter.

As away from the Innkeepers they turned like a flash,

He told of a stable and then let down the sash.

The star on the breast of the new fallen snow,

Gave a luster of midday to the shepherds below.

When what to their wondering eyes should appear,

But a heavenly angel so bright and so near.

What a glorious message that cut to the quick,

Their eyes in a moment with tears were all thick.

More rapid than eagles the angels they came,

And they sang, and they shouted and praised Jesus by name.

Now rich man, now poor man, now beggar and thief,

Now doctor, now lawyer, now merchant and chief.

To all that are sinners from the curse of the fall,

This Jesus has come –to cast away sin – cast away all.

As dry leaves that before the wild winds fly,

When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky,

So up to Pilate’s hall how rapidly they flew,

With Jesus, the Son of God, called King of the Jews.

Then in an instant came the false proof,

The lying and scheming of each one aloof.

As Pilate stood with accusers all around,

He questioned Jesus but no guilt could be found.

They stripped Him of His robe from His head to His foot,

A crown of thorns they fashioned and on His head did put.

A roughhewn cross they had flung on His back,

He looked so friendless and for strength He did lack.

Yet His eyes – how they twinkled, His face was still merry,

Though His cheeks were bloody, His cross He did carry.

His shoulders quivered in anguish as He clenched His teeth,

The ghastly crown of thorns pierced His brow like a wreath.

Yet He had such a kind, loving, compassionate face,

That seemed to say, “I love the whole human race.”

He fell ‘neath His load – but it was not for Himself,

Men laughed when they saw Him for love of themselves.

With a tear in His eye and a twist of His head,

He soon gave all to know that the worst was still ahead.

He spoke not a word – but went straight to His work,

They nailed Him to the cross and lifted it high with a jerk.

Looking into Heaven it was death that He chose,

As unto the Father His spirit arose.

He sprang from the tomb – to His disciples appeared.

Now sins curse need no longer be feared.

And they heard Him exclaim ere He faded from sight,

Behold, I come quickly. Are you ready? Is everything right?