Prayer RULED Jesus' life. In fact, the Word even gives us an example in Mark's account that Jesus got up very early in the morning while it was still dark to go to a solitary place and pray.
He prayed about important decisions. In Luke 6:12 we find out that he spent the night praying before he chose the twelve apostles.
He was very persistent in praying. Luke 18:1 tells us that Jesus used a parable to show his disciples that they should always pray and never give up. The widow kept bothering the judge and ended up granting her justice.
He prayed for others and let them know specifically what He prayed for. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned your back, strengthen your brothers. (Luke 22:32)
He taught others how to pray. Sometimes, especially as women, we tend to clam up when we are asked to lead a prayer in our ladies' classes. You might just be the person who could teach someone how to do this. (Luke 11:1-2)
Prayer is ALWAYS answered. The answer might not be what YOU are wanting, but God knows what is best...Be prepared for YES, NO, and YES but you need to WAIT.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Taking off the mask....
Are you the same person you were last year? Hopefully you can answer no because of how much you have grown in your faith.
But that isn't the direction I am wanting to take on that question. Do you act the same when you are around different sets of friends? Some of us run in different groups..you might have school friends, "church" friends, neighborhood friends, etc. In each situation, do you act the same or differently?
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
That is the example we have set before us. A perfect example at that. HE NEVER CHANGES no matter the situation!! No matter the situation, He stayed the same!!
I want to challenge you to really take a look at yourself and your actions while you are around your different groups. Do you change for the better, or the worse? Can you get by with more "negative" with some than others? If so, maybe you should reevaluate those "friendships."
Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
1 John 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Where are you looking?
Matthew 14:22-32
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," He said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Do you ever have those times when your eyes are taken off of what you should be focused on just like Peter in this story? Sure, everyone has! Most of the time sin occurs when we aren't thinking in the right frame of mind we should be. Our minds should constantly be set on things above, not the earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
So, what can we learn from this?
BELIEVE! Do you really believe that God can do anything? Ephesian 2:20 is an amazing verse to keep handy when "doubt" arises in your life. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us! HE CAN DO ANYTHING!! Pull your FAITH in here! HE CAN DO ANYTHING!!
SPEND TIME WITH HIM! Jesus was in his quiet place to "pray." You have to spend time with God in order to know His power! He rescued you from darkness (Colossians 1:13), so why wouldn't you want to spend time with Him?
You must stay focused so you are not easily taken down a wrong path. Know the POWER that our Almighty Father has! He created you...He created everything around you. He knows you better than you know yourself. Get to know Him...study, pray, worship.
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," He said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Do you ever have those times when your eyes are taken off of what you should be focused on just like Peter in this story? Sure, everyone has! Most of the time sin occurs when we aren't thinking in the right frame of mind we should be. Our minds should constantly be set on things above, not the earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
So, what can we learn from this?
BELIEVE! Do you really believe that God can do anything? Ephesian 2:20 is an amazing verse to keep handy when "doubt" arises in your life. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us! HE CAN DO ANYTHING!! Pull your FAITH in here! HE CAN DO ANYTHING!!
SPEND TIME WITH HIM! Jesus was in his quiet place to "pray." You have to spend time with God in order to know His power! He rescued you from darkness (Colossians 1:13), so why wouldn't you want to spend time with Him?
You must stay focused so you are not easily taken down a wrong path. Know the POWER that our Almighty Father has! He created you...He created everything around you. He knows you better than you know yourself. Get to know Him...study, pray, worship.
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Sword
When I think of a sword, I think of power. With its long, edged piece of metal, the main use of a sword is primarily a cutting or thrusting weapon, but also used to "club." There are many uses/descriptions in the Bible because of the importance of the sword during those times as a weapon.
Taking down of enemies
His word provides us with several instances in which a sword was used to take down enemies. Joshua used the sword to take down the Amalekites as Moses had to keep his hands raised (Exodus 17:8-14). Peter used a sword to cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest when Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:51).
"Bad" Behavior Comparisons
Comparisons of the sword and "bad" behaviors are also found. Take Provers 25:18 into consideration (Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor). Proverbs 30:14 tells us that those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind.
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise bring healing (Proverbs 12:18).
Our "Weapon"
The Bible is to be our sword (Ephesians 6:17). A verse that has really caught my eye this past week is Hebrews 4:12. For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Wow--that is powerful. If I want to know what God's will is for me, I have to know the "sword." This is how He communicates to us! You are in a battle every second of every day against Satan--in order to beat him, you have to know what our Heavenly Father expects of you and ways to fight off those temptations! Be diligent in getting your hands dirty and taking time to study!
Taking down of enemies
His word provides us with several instances in which a sword was used to take down enemies. Joshua used the sword to take down the Amalekites as Moses had to keep his hands raised (Exodus 17:8-14). Peter used a sword to cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest when Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:51).
"Bad" Behavior Comparisons
Comparisons of the sword and "bad" behaviors are also found. Take Provers 25:18 into consideration (Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor). Proverbs 30:14 tells us that those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind.
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise bring healing (Proverbs 12:18).
Our "Weapon"
The Bible is to be our sword (Ephesians 6:17). A verse that has really caught my eye this past week is Hebrews 4:12. For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Wow--that is powerful. If I want to know what God's will is for me, I have to know the "sword." This is how He communicates to us! You are in a battle every second of every day against Satan--in order to beat him, you have to know what our Heavenly Father expects of you and ways to fight off those temptations! Be diligent in getting your hands dirty and taking time to study!
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Path of Friendship-Choosing Your Friends Carefully
"Friends" can lead you down several different paths--some negative and some positive. Therefore, it is IMPORTANT who you choose to place in your life!
Sharpen you (Proverbs 27:17). If you choose them carefully, they can lift you up just like the writer in Proverbs tells us (As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another). When you might not being doing things according to God's will, they can bring you back. Your conversations make you better people because maybe you study with them, talk about God's word, etc.
Counsel you in need (Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 24:5) Life is TOUGH, but the reward is worth fighting for. If we didn't face trials, where would our faith be? But, fortunately if you do surround yourself with friends, they can counsel you and help you through those rotten times! And you know, those trials you face WILL help others later on with circumstances just like you. I am amazed at some of the things I have gone through, and how many people are able to really understand it, because they were there once too.
But also lead you astray (Proverbs 13:20). He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Be diligent who you choose to be around. Walk with the wise, not with the fools. Surround yourself with those who have the same desires as you!
Which path are you going to take with your friends? Be very cautious with this decision!
FRIENDS CAN...
Sharpen you (Proverbs 27:17). If you choose them carefully, they can lift you up just like the writer in Proverbs tells us (As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another). When you might not being doing things according to God's will, they can bring you back. Your conversations make you better people because maybe you study with them, talk about God's word, etc.
Counsel you in need (Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 24:5) Life is TOUGH, but the reward is worth fighting for. If we didn't face trials, where would our faith be? But, fortunately if you do surround yourself with friends, they can counsel you and help you through those rotten times! And you know, those trials you face WILL help others later on with circumstances just like you. I am amazed at some of the things I have gone through, and how many people are able to really understand it, because they were there once too.
But also lead you astray (Proverbs 13:20). He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Be diligent who you choose to be around. Walk with the wise, not with the fools. Surround yourself with those who have the same desires as you!
A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26
Which path are you going to take with your friends? Be very cautious with this decision!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Being Strong in the Lord
Fall is in the air, and along with that comes football. While watching The Blind Side recently, I was reminded of how strength plays a role in the game (Michael Oher could plow through people!). With a lot of determination, the offensive and defensive lines go up against each other hoping to "win" the short battle allowing movement (or lack thereof) with the ball.
We also see strength displayed in the animal world. It is said that a rhinoceros beetle can carry over 850 times its weight! That is remarkable!
Our STRENGTH comes from the LORD!
You can do everything through Him who strengthens you (Phillipeans 4:13). He is the strength of your life, so why should you be afraid? (Psalm 27:1) You have to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might (Ephesians 6:10).
He WILL help YOU!
He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Why should we fear if we believe that? He is with you and will uphold you with His righteous hand (Isaiah 40:10).
We also see strength displayed in the animal world. It is said that a rhinoceros beetle can carry over 850 times its weight! That is remarkable!
Our STRENGTH comes from the LORD!
You can do everything through Him who strengthens you (Phillipeans 4:13). He is the strength of your life, so why should you be afraid? (Psalm 27:1) You have to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might (Ephesians 6:10).
He WILL help YOU!
He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Why should we fear if we believe that? He is with you and will uphold you with His righteous hand (Isaiah 40:10).
In order to continually find His strength within you, you MUST seek his presence (Psalm 105:4).
Monday, September 6, 2010
Standing Out
When you are in the midst of a group, do you stand out? If so, are your reasons for standing out positive or negative?
So many times it is easy for us conform to the world instead of being transformed (Romans 12:2). One biblical character we can turn to for this is Esther. She stood out. Something about her caught the eye of Hegai who was the custodian of ALL of those women who were brought to the palace to "fight" to be the next wife of the king. But, how did she do it?
Read the next verse and focus on the description of the unmarried:
1 Corinthians 7:34
There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world-how she may please her husband.
Here are some quick references for you to "check" your characteristics throughout the week.
Behave like a Christian: Romans 12: 9-21
Obey your parents: Ephesians 6:1-3
The Whatevers: Philippians 4:8-9
Don't let anyone look down on you because of your age: 1 Timothy 4:12
So many times it is easy for us conform to the world instead of being transformed (Romans 12:2). One biblical character we can turn to for this is Esther. She stood out. Something about her caught the eye of Hegai who was the custodian of ALL of those women who were brought to the palace to "fight" to be the next wife of the king. But, how did she do it?
Read the next verse and focus on the description of the unmarried:
1 Corinthians 7:34
There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world-how she may please her husband.
Do you stand out because of your love of the Lord? Esther did.
2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Here are some quick references for you to "check" your characteristics throughout the week.
Behave like a Christian: Romans 12: 9-21
Obey your parents: Ephesians 6:1-3
The Whatevers: Philippians 4:8-9
Don't let anyone look down on you because of your age: 1 Timothy 4:12
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