Thursday, November 30, 2017

Savior Sent

God's cleansing forgiveness is better than Tide, Oxi-Clean and Shout all put together. For the stain of sin on our souls was worse than any dirt, grease, or earthly grime to ever soil our clothing. We need Jesus!  We are told of in Isaiah 1:18; Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." (ESV)

If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator,

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
So God sent us a Savior.

Amen?

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Open the Floodgates


The last few days I’ve been blogging about tithing and honoring God. The Lord challenges us to "test" Him in this act of faithfulness. Don't miss this blessing! We trust God with our eternity - doesn't it make sense that we should trust Him with our finances?



 Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:10-12



 The blessings are out of this world - the floodgates of heaven are opened! You can’t out-give God, and when we rob from God we are actually robbing from ourselves. Don’t rob from yourself the spiritual blessings of God’s provision in His church.

Sounds like God's way is the best way with our finances (and everything else).

Amen?

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Honest Giving


The worst offense of how people treated God as reported by Malachi was that they were robbing God (3:6-12). How? By withholding their tithes, by giving the worst instead of the best, by giving the least and not the most. Their attitude was, "How little can I give and still keep God happy?"



“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’

“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

The tithe is the minimum - it is what is expected from God's people.  In Hebrew tithe means 10%. The Bible talks of not one but 3 tithes. One for the priests, one for the Temple, and one every three years for the poor. That works out to 23+% annually if you're counting. You see God's tithe (that's what it is) is the floor not the ceiling of giving to the Lord's work. God’s tithe not "my tithe" is in recognition that everything belongs to Him. Anything less than 10% is not to be called a tithe but rather a donation or offering.  It all starts from the heart. 

Who do you trust in?
 

Prepare your heart and engage in an honest conversation with God today about your giving. Amen?

Monday, November 27, 2017

Unfaithful Accounting

After 70 years in exile you would have thought that people would have come to their senses and be faithful to the Lord. The last book of the Old Testament tells us a different story. The people in Malachi's day treated God badly by robbing from him. They had become bored with God. Their worship had turned from relational to ritual. As a result:



They offered blemished sacrifices (1:6-14) They offered God their contempt, defiled food, blind, cripples, and diseased animals. They gave their "leftovers" instead of their best.



The priests had become unfaithful (2:1-9) They did not listen and dishonored God with  false teachings.



Divorce was commonplace and easy (2:10-17) They had broken faith and commitment with God and in their marriages.



Their words wearied God (2:17 read) They desired their own justice, and missed they always had a Just God!



Businessmen were cheating their workers, customers, widows, orphans and aliens (3:1-5).  Defrauded and oppressed those around them. There was no justice.



Before we pass judgment on this group let's look at what the New Testament has to say to us. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25 

Application?

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Join In


It is said that a one-legged schoolteacher from Scotland once came to the renowned missionary J. Hudson Taylor to offer himself for service in China. “With only one leg, why do you think of going as a missionary?” Taylor asked. “Well,” the man replied, “I don’t see those with two legs going.” He was accepted for service.

That plucky attitude is something like what Jesus displayed when He looked out over a world that was broken by sin, riddled with disease, and divided by hatred and said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few!” We live in a world that is either hopelessly lost or ripe for salvation—depending on how you choose to look at it. Jesus viewed the world through the eyes of faith and possibility, and He calls us to join Him in the mission of bringing God’s kingdom to earth.

Today at my church, I will share a challenging message with you based on Jesus thrilling call to join in the harvest, Matthew 9:35–38. Let’s pray that the Father will indeed send His workers into the field, and that you and I may do our part in His grand scheme to bring salvation to all mankind.

Amen?

Saturday, November 25, 2017

The Gospel

Any Gospel presentation should contain three things: 1. Christ died for our sins. 2. He was buried. 3. On the third day He arose from the grave! The world needs to know of God's love and the hope that comes form Christ. Here's the Scripture to back it up.

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,  and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,  and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. - 1 Corinthians 15:1–5
This same preaching and sharing needs to happen today. Amen? 

Friday, November 24, 2017

Live a Life


God’s Word challenges us to develop a daily worship lifestyle. Colossians 3:23 says, Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men. – Does this verse describe the way you worship? Check out the last psalm in the Bible. It’s all about praise and worship!
Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power, praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. - Psalm 150

What does it tell you about praise and worship?
Let’s praise the Lord today and everyday and live a life of worship. Amen?

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Giving Thanks


Happy Thanksgiving! Today focus on giving thanks. Share with God and the world your gratitude. One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Psalm 100, and I'd like to share it with you.

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. 

Remember we're told "to give thanks in all circumstances", so regardless... Be thankful.



“‘“May the Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

 the Lord turn his face toward you, and give you peace.”’

Amen

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Thanks to the Lord

At this time of year, let us be truly thankful to the Lord. Consider the “thankful” guidance we are given in God’s Word.


Psalm 50:23 - He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."

Psalm 100:4 -  Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.

Philippians 4:6 -
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 -
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 106:47 - Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy Name and glory in Your praise!
Today and everyday give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His love endures forever! Amen?

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Eight Blessings


Thanksgiving as found in 1 Corinthians 1:4­9:

 4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

We come to God so often with our complaints, requests, or needs that we tend to neglect giving thanks to Him. Consider these things we should be thankful for God’s:

    1. People (v. 4).

    2. Grace (v. 4).

    3. Wisdom (v. 5).

    4. Salvation (v. 6).

    5. Gifts (v. 7).

    6. Protection (v. 8).

    7. Faithfulness (v. 9).

    8. Fellowship (v. 9).

All believers have received these eight blessings; let's give Him thanks. Amen?

Monday, November 20, 2017

Seeking Wealth


John G. Wendel was one of the wealthiest men in America in the early twentieth century, but he lived as if he were poor. Although he and his sisters had received a large inheritance, they spent little of it and hoarded as much of their wealth as they could. Five of Wendel’s six sisters never married, and they lived in the same house on New York’s Fifth Avenue for 50 years. When the last sister died in 1931, her holdings were valued at more than $100 million. Yet she owned only one dress, which she had made herself and worn for many years. Oddly, it was the Wendels’ desire for wealth that drove them to live like paupers.

Jesus gave a similar warning in His Sermon on the Mount. Those who pursue material wealth wind up missing out on the real treasure. Those who place their first priority on things other than wealth will find themselves blessed with all of the riches of their Father in heaven.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus asks us to examine our hearts to determine where we have placed our ultimate trust—on earth or in heaven, in self or in God.

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Wealth Control


It has been reported that John D. Rockefeller proposed three simple rules for anyone who wants to become rich: (1) Go to work early. (2) Stay at work late. (3) Find oil.

Whether accurately reported or not, the remark rings true. There is something unpredictable about wealth—what it takes to find it and keep it. Some people work hard their whole lives and never manage to accumulate much money. Others are blessed with good fortune and become rich virtually overnight. While we may believe that we control our own economic destiny, we live at the mercy of many forces beyond our control.

And while it is certain that those who work hard are more likely to live comfortable lives, Rockefeller’s quip holds a valuable lesson on the best attitude toward wealth. Rather than seeking seeing our economic well-being as fully within our control, we should realize that we depend on something other than our own efforts to succeed. You and I know that we depend on God for our daily bread.

What freedom!

This week in our Give to Live series we’ll examine Jesus’ core teaching on money and discover that it is really a teaching on trust (see Matthew 6:19–34). As you begin to see God as the provider of all good things, you will discover greater contentment, greater confidence, and greater trust in Him. He really does care for you.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Hurt People


How do you deal with hurts in life? The reality is we’ve all been hurt. Hurts are part of the human condition. Have you ever heard, “Hurt people hurt people.”? 

Even though we all hurt we are responsible for how we respond. Retaliation has its appeal, but Jesus has a better idea.



Jesus sets the example.



“Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.” (John 13:3–5 nlt)



Jesus’ command.



“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought     to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14–15 nlt)



“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” (Matthew 18:21–22 nkjv)



Don't miss accepting God's grace and using it in your life.

Friday, November 17, 2017

Financial Opportunities

I recently came across an older Lifeway article that grabbed my attention titled: "Our Church Was Robbed Recently." The story that followed said:

"We are thankful that no one was injured physically, but it will be some time before things are back to normal. It's clear that more than one person is responsible - in fact, there may actually be many people who have been party to the crime. Two things are most unfortunate about the robbery - one is that we have no assurances that it won't happen again, and that is a bit unnerving! The other unfortunate element is that we're certain that those who carried out the robbery are members of our church. It's bad enough to know that a theft has occurred, but it's really hard to imagine that professing Christians would actually steal from God and the ministries of his church. We can certainly hope that anyone who has participated in this act will repent and repay what has been taken. It's reported that some of the stolen money has been used for vacations, cars, boats, designer clothes, athletic equipment, homes, and even dining out. We don't have a complete list of all the suspects, but there is consolation in knowing that God does.

"You haven't read about this in the papers and hopefully you won't. I realize that some of you will disagree, but it would be difficult to get a conviction in the courts given the clever way in which the robbery was carried out. You are probably also interested in how much was taken. The amount is undetermined, but at the very least exceeds many thousands of dollars.

"By the way, the robbery happened in full view of the church during Sunday services. It happened as the offering plates were passed during Sunday school and worship. It also happened as people who didn't come simply didn't give the Lord's tithe."

The people in the prophet Malachi's day had treated God badly by robbing from him. Some things haven’t changed… Prepare your heart to receive wisdom and instruction on how to give to God. It can change your life and make you more like Jesus.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Thirsty Soul


I came across an old sermon the other day. It's title, LIVING WATER for a Thirsty Soul. It's based out of the story of Jesus at the well with a Samaritan woman. You can read about in John 4:5-14. It asks the question: How can we find living water for our thirsty souls?



We can take on different world views:

1. It’s all about Me!

The woman at the well is honest and admits the truth about her life.

2. It’s really all about Jesus!

The woman at the well is open and accepts the truth about Jesus’ life.

3. It’s all about telling Others!

The woman at the well is enthusiastic and tells others about the truth she has found.



We need to pass it on - just like the woman did. Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” - John 4:39-42


Amen?

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

God in Action


The Lord reigns: The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the Lord in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise your great and awesome name—he is holy. The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. Moses and Aaron were among his priests,  Samuel was among those who called on his name; they called on the Lord and he answered them. He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them. Lord our God, you answered them; you were to Israel a forgiving God, though you punished their misdeeds. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy. and worship at his holy mountain, or the Lord our God is holy. - Psalm 99

The Lord restores: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)  and find out what pleases the Lord. –Ephesians 5:8-10

Amen and Amen - How does this look in your life?

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

With All

All of us have different skills, talents, and gifts, but no one can have them all. In fact there are probably few characteristics all of us can share. There is one especially when it comes to being faithful and obedient to God's call on your life. We can all be passionate about Jesus! I love this quote:

Passion’s a lot like aspirin: it’s effective in many ways, but no one’s quite sure how it works. Passion is love that’s found a means of communicating. That’s why passion is important—because after the words we speak are tangled or forgotten, people will often remember the heart that communicated them.

So when you go about your business this day remember to be passionate about the things of God. It shows you love Him.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' - Jesus' answer to what is the greatest commandment in Mark 12:30 

Monday, November 13, 2017

Faith Challenge

The challenge to faith is the same in every generation: seek first the things of God and trust Him to provide the daily necessities of life. The glorification of any work we pursue comes by the presence of God in it. God calls us to commit what we are, what we have, and all that we do to him. Make the work of God a priority, both in your time and with your money. Understand that it is the presence of Jesus that produces glory.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. - 2 Corinthians 3:18.

God blesses His people when they repent and get their hearts, minds, and bodies right with Him. Our focus should be vertical.

Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.- Psalm 24:3-4 

God always gives perfect direction.  

How can you honor God with your life today?

Sunday, November 12, 2017

As God Sees


One day Jesus told a story about a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was robbed, beaten, and left for dead. Two religious folk—let’s call one a religious leader and the other a community leader—came upon the man in need and carefully passed by on the other side of the road. They knew enough to avoid a problem when they saw one!



Later on, a fellow came along who had no real ties to the injured man. They weren’t from the same community; they were of different races and even different religions. Yet this stranger did something the other two gentlemen had failed to do—he took compassion on the man in need. He was seeing as God sees!



You realize that I’m referring to the story of the Good Samaritan. This masterful example teaches us to look beyond the many things that can separate us from others, especially those who are in need, and to see them as God does, with eyes of compassion.



Today at Hopewell, we will be challenged to do just that as we explore a powerful teaching of John the Baptist (see Luke 3:1–18). Give this exercise a try. Call to mind the person or group of people whom you know who are in need. Now ask yourself this question: when I think of these folk, do I see a problem to be avoided or do I see precious souls whom Jesus loves? When we can see the latter, we’ll be seeing others as God sees them.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

A Veteran's Day Prayer

Almighty God, You are our Creator and Sustainer. You are our Light and our Fortress.

You are our Wisdom and our Strength.

Lord, you moved upon men to establish this great nation. You stirred men to hope and to dream for a land of freedom. We praise you for this great nation.

Lord, you have inspired many of our best and brightest to volunteer to proudly stand and defend our beloved country. You have given us brave and loyal men and women who have steadfastly served in their chosen branch of our military.

We gather today to remember our military personnel. We acknowledge that their service enables us to walk as free men and women in this great land.

Lord, today we seek to honor your sons and daughters who have served or who are serving our country. We are reminded that because of their service we can live in safety.

We ask that you abundantly bless those who have previously served. May their service time be rewarded in every way. May they gain earthly and heavenly blessings from their unselfish love of country.

Lord, we stop now and remember those who are currently serving. We ask that you provide them with your protection, your strength, and your peace. We ask that you would abundantly provide for all their needs. We ask that you would enable them to overcome every personal and professional obstacle. We ask that you would protect their families from hurt and harm.

May each of our veterans feel honored not just today but every day.

Father, we also give special recognition to our wounded warriors. We realize that many of our heroes are dealing with physical and emotional wounds that occurred as a result of their time of service to our country.

We ask that they would be given the best treatments available and that you would add your supernatural blessings to all the efforts given to them to help them. We ask that you, Lord, would show them miracles as they seek to gain health, stability, and wholeness.

We pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen

Friday, November 10, 2017

Putting It Together


Most of us have heard about the Proverbs 31 woman.

She works faithfully and diligently.
She provides for the physical and spiritual needs of her family. 
She is a generous steward of God’s resources. 
She cares about her personal appearance.  
She reaches out to the poor. 
She has a God-given spirit of dignity and peace.
She is wise, and is loved. 
She has a deep reverence for the Lord. 

Have you ever thought that these attributes are not just for women, but all of us? God’s expectations will either intimidate you or build your confidence. It’s up to you how to respond. But if you want to fully enjoy the good gifts God has given you, don’t sit on the sidelines with them. Use them to make a difference in this world.

Be all that God made you for by putting your gifts and talents in play to honor Him. Amen?

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Falsehoods


There are a lot of false teachers out there. We should not be surprised! Jesus warned us and gave us the truth, so we would know how to discern His Word.



44 “And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak”. - John 12:44-50



Three Basic Errors Promoted by False Teachers1) They change the gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone. 2) They deny the deity of Christ or another member of the Godhead. 3) They deny the death and/or Resurrection of Jesus.



“And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” 18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book”. - Revelation 22:18–19

Stick to and know the truth. Amen?

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

So Much More


What gives meaning to your life? This Sunday I preached on Jesus’ story about a man who went away and entrusted his servants with a sum of money to invest (see Matthew 25:14–28). He gave them a purpose, and God has given one to you, too. Discover it for yourself, and you’ll find a new level of meaning and fulfillment. You’ll discover what it means to Give To Live!

Naturalist Henry David Thoreau is often noted for his statement that most men “live lives of quiet desperation.” In an attempt to avoid that kind of existence, from 1845 to 1847, he lived alone, like a survivalist, in the woods of Walden Pond, Massachusetts. In 1854, he published his experiences in the book, Walden. He wrote, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

It would be a shame to discover someday that the many pursuits that filled our days on earth were something less than God’s best for us, that we had lived lives lacking purpose and meaning.

God wants so much more for each one of us!

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

There is Power

Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons that a Christ follower has. Look at what Jesus had to say about it in Matthew 21:21-22. Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
Jesus had “cursed” the fig tree and it died. Believe it or not, God has expectations of us. He also has provision for all we need to carry out our mission on earth. Be in sync with God – He has all the power to provide for our needs and so much more.

Monday, November 6, 2017

Like a Child

I love the story and teaching that comes from Jesus as recorded in Matthew 19:13-14. Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
So, big lesson here, quit acting “all adult”, when it comes to your relationship to Christ. Honest, sincere, no prejudice, no phoniness, and no agendas – just a child-like love and heart. Thank you Jesus for taking it down to the basics. Amen?

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Teach us to Pray

In Matthew 6:5-15 Jesus gave probably His most quoted teaching on prayer. Think of this, the Disciples could have asked for anything, but they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray.
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This, then, is how you should pray:
   " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
   your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.  For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Follow the plan – it will take you closer to God than you’ve ever been.

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Perfect Prayer


Over the next few days we are going to examine some Bible verses that talk to us about prayer. The first one is from Matthew 5:43-48. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Counter the culture teaching here. Hmmm. Do you think it might change our world if we prayed for our enemies and those we don’t agree with? We are called to imitate/be like Jesus’ example, who spoke forgiveness on the cross for His persecutors. Amen?