Prayer

My home fellowship group has embarked on a study of prayer; the who, what, where, when, why and how. It is a study based on Philip Yancey’s book; “Prayer: Does it make any Difference”. So far our journey has stretched us with everyone digging deep to understand and apply. It has brought us all much closer together.

This study has taught (reminded) us to refocus our view of prayer and as we see in Psalm 46:10;

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

That can be such a comfort if we can all just be still and know that we have a loving, merciful, caring and graceful God. Yancey urges us to keep in perspective God’s majesty and that by doing so in prayer we will be able to “raise our sight above the petty”.

We focus on the example of prayer that Christ provides; when he prays, how he prays, why he prays. It is so amazing when you think about our Lord and Savior and the example he provides for our prayer life; showing us just how vital and important prayer is to each of us; to our spiritual alignment. The great theologian; J. C. Ryle said this about prayer;

“Faith is to the soul what life is to the body. Prayer is to faith what breath is to the body. How a person can live and not breathe is past my comprehension, and how a person can believe and not pray is past my comprehension too.”


Paul provides great encouragement about prayer in Philippians 4;

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I am so prayerfully thankful for this group and this study. I pray that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard all our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus; Amen.

Grace and Peace!

Third Day

I recently attended the world renowned “Strawberry Festival” in Plant City, Florida. It is a huge festival complete with livestock, agricultural displays, crafts, plenty of rides and plenty of strawberry shortcake. This festival also boasts some really fantastic entertainment; fun for the whole family.

The reason for my visit was that a top Christian band that I have followed for a while now was going to give a concert. The band is Third Day. I really love their music with its Southern Rock undertones. I really thought it would be an enjoyable concert outside in the fresh Florida air. That turned out to be quite the understatement.

The concert was fantastic, the atmosphere was amazing, and the experience will be remembered for a very long time. There is something about good, inspiring music and a beautiful night sky complete with starry hosts. The band played some of their early stuff, some of their new stuff, but the most amazing part was when they played some great worship songs highlighted by “God of Wonders”. I can’t adequately describe the feeling that overcame me as I sang along with what seemed like 10,000 members of my family worshipping our loving God. He truly is a God of wonders.

It brought to mind Psalm 89 where we can read;

1 I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself. 3 You said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, 4 'I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.' " Selah 5 The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

Father, the heavens do praise Your wonders! And may we all with our mouths make Your faithfulness known.

Grace and Peace!

The Power of the Word

Recently my friend shared a humorous story his pastor had recently used in a sermon (this is a joke so don’t try this at home). In this story a lady comes home to find someone stealing her things. She is shocked and surprised and a little confused. In the heat of the moment she shouts out Acts 2:38. The burglar stops raises his hands and remains frozen. The lady then dials 911 and the police arrive a few minutes later. Seeing the burglar the police ask the lady how did you do that and she explains all she did was shout out a bible verse; Acts 2:38. The burglar shakes his head and blurts out; I thought she said she had an ax and two 38s.

A funny illustration, but it caused me to think about the true power of the Word of God. I read somewhere that one of the most important things we can do as Christians is to create an environment where people are exposed to the word (bible study, discussion, etc.) and then watch its impact on people; personal and multiplying.

Now Acts 2:38 is a powerful verse and shows the process, the outcome, the benefit, and the shape of things to come. In this verse Peter tells us;

38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

What a gift that we can receive if we truly believe. And how beautiful is the gift of God’s word? We need the Word to guide us, to reveal to us the way. It truly is so powerful and wonderful and amazing. The Psalmist tells us;

107:20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

And in Hebrews we see;

4:12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

But what; ultimately, does this lead to and I think we can find the answer in Romans. Here we are told;

10:17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

You know the power of the Word is a beautiful thing. Hey everyone; spread the word!

Grace and Peace!