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Tag: Prayer
He Leaned Toward Me
He Leaned Toward Me
As always I want to tell all of you how precious you are to Betty and I. Our prayers for you go up daily to the Lord. Speaking favor and blessings over your lives, and our community.
Please be in prayer for our country. The division and anger has been consistently troubling over the past months. Please pray that God will cover us with His presence and His peace.
It seems like my weeks go by so fast. Getting everything done that needs to be done is a challenge.
In just about 2 months we will be having our Christmas Banquet. The years go by faster and faster.
Moving forward is what we do. Looking back, except to learn, has never been an option with me. You can not measure our results by normal standards. “We ain’t normal.”
I come today in His name to share some thoughts titled, “He Leaned Toward Me”
Psalms 40 was attributed to David and it has an awesome story to tell.
The NASB Bible titles chapters and passages in the chapters, with a relevant synopsis of the chapter or the passages .
Psalms 40 Is titled, “God Sustains His Servant”
The word sustain has several meanings to day. Here is a couple of ones relevant to this Psalm. (to support, hold, or bear up from below; bear the weight of. To keep (a person, the mind, the spirits, etc.) from giving way, as under trial or affliction.)
Here is what David said.
Psalms 40:1-3
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
The first verse tells of the three portions of answered prayer.
1st-Waited Patiently. 2Nd-God inclined to me, literally means, He bent towards me. 3Rd-He heard my cry, literally means, He answered it.
He begins the testimony of his deliverance, and His praise for God
2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord.
Psalms 40:4-5
4 How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.
Psalms 40:6-8
6 Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired;
My ears You have opened; Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required.
(Nothing David did brought about this deliverance. It was God. Same is true for us today. He does good things because He loves us. He answer prayers, not because we are worthy, but because we prayed.)
7 Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me.
8 I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”
Psalms 40:9-12
9 I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation; Behold, I will not restrain my lips,
O Lord, You know.
(David has declared the greatness of God in every public place he could. In the midst of all the people.)
10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.
11 You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.
12 For evils beyond number have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me.
(Have you ever just felt like you just can’t stay out of trouble.) Some life event, jobs, family, kids, finances. Something swirling all the time. “God, I am surrounded.”
Here is the answer!!
Psalms 40:13-17
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; Make haste, O Lord, to help me.
14 Let those be ashamed and humiliated together Who seek my life to destroy it; Let those be turned back and dishonored Who delight in my hurt.
15 Let those be appalled because of their shame Who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”
17 Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.
I love verse 17. He is praying for everybody, but don’t forget me. Don’t forget me!!
“Lean Toward Me”
(Somebody needs Him to lean toward you today. To hear and to answer.)
#inHisname #hopelives
“Let us Pray”
Let us Pray
I wanted to take a few minutes and share some thoughts on the happenings in our country.
Let me say from the onset that I will not be diving into a political dialogue. My heart, and my concern, is always for the church, and our responsibility to the world we live in.
I can think of no greater responsibility that we have in this present time than prayer.
Racism and division is the driving force of so many different groups today. Racism is horrible. I don’t even understand why it exists today.
The division in politics, and yes even in the American church, is tearing apart our democracy, and our influence as Christians.
At this point I do not believe that speeches, nor even pleas from the pulpit can fix this.
We, as followers of Christ, must pray.
There is a scripture that has been placed on pillows, calendars, and cards for generations.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14
13 If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people,
14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Many people will say this is taken out of context. I am not going to debate the theological points of this passage.
I believe that if we turn from our division, and turn towards a unified message of the Gospel. Repent of our judgment and hate. Humble ourselves and cry to Him for forgiveness and healing, that God will hear.
I would remind us all of two awesome men of God from the OT.
Daniel, a prophet was in captivity when He began to pray for his people.
Daniel 9:4-6
4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments,
5 we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.
6 Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land.
He aligned himself with the sins of his people.
Nehemiah 1:6-7
6 let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father’s house have sinned.
7 We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses.
Once again an awesome man of God aligned himself with the sins of his people.
Both of these are examples of a unified message.
I may be ok.
You may be ok.
Our world is not. Our country is in trouble.
It is our responsibility, as Christians in America, to join in a unified prayer for our country and it’s leaders.
2 Timothy 2:1-3
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
Please join with me and the congregation of Amazing Life Church to pray for our country and the people within. God has used this country to change the world, and He is not through with us yet.
Pray in faith believing, and In the name of Jesus.
He is faithful to hear and to answer.
#inHisname
Time to Pray
Time to Pray
Prayer and faith has joined together for thousands of years to move the hand of God. These principles are the foundation of our relationship with Christ, and our ability to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
It is one thing to pray for an immediate need. God is ever ready to hear and answer as your faith touches His heart. These type of prayers occur many times over our life with Christ.
Passion moves us to pray for a friend or loved one. Tragedies and failures move us to pray for God to intervene.
There is a call today for a different kind of prayer. Consistent prayer. Finding a time everyday to spend in prayer.
There doesn’t have to be a specific need or request. Sometimes it is very broad in nature. At other times the Holy Spirit will lead you to pray for God to move in more specific areas.
Whatever the case, it is time to pray.
It has been decades since revival has spread across this entire nation. Yes, there has been regions where God moved with great power. Many were saved and set on fire for God.
Probably because people in the region were faithful and consistent, in their prayers.
If the American church would pray for this country and it’s people, as much as it criticizes them, there would be an awesome return to Godly principles, and revival would happen across this land.
Passionate, persistent, consistent prayer will change you, and the world you live in. Here is a few of my favorite passages on prayer.
Ephesians 1:18
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
Matthew 5:44
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Mark 11:24
Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.
1 John 5:14-15
14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.
It is time to pray, and join it with faith.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
God has covered all the bases. Every question that arises. Every doubt and fear has been vanquished by His love and grace.
It is time to pray. Passionate, persistent, and consistent prayers.
#inHisname
God is Always Searching
God is Always Searching
Once again I have to give God Glory for His consistent presence in Amazing Life Church. He is positioning people among us to understand His presence, and how to utilize it in our daily lives.
I know He is ever with me, and with you. It is still particularly pleasant, and humbling, when you can sense Him in your daily walk. Always in you, surrounding you, and leading you day by day. Makes no difference who you are, what level of faith you have. It makes no difference if you occasionally stumble. Even if you have left the reservation for a season. He loves you, and awaits your return. Ever ready to help you find your way again.
What an awesome Father, Son, and Spirit. I come to you today, In His Name, with some thoughts titled, “God is Always Searching”
Psalms 143:1-12
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, Give ear to my supplications! Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness!
2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no man living is righteous.
3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead.
4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart is appalled within me.
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to You; My soul longs for You, as a parched land. Selah.
7 Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit fails; Do not hide Your face from me, Or I will become like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.
9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I take refuge in You.
10 Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
11 For the sake of Your name, O Lord, revive me. In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
12 And in Your lovingkindness, cut off my enemies And destroy all those who afflict my soul, For I am Your servant.
What a Prayer
David is pouring out his heart. Crying out for deliverance from his enemies, and direction for moving forward.
Prayer is how we build our relationship with the Father. It is our path to victory, revelation, healing, deliverance.
It is the source of our faith, and understanding of His words.
Oswald Chambers said, “we have to pray with our eyes on God, not on our difficulties.”
Prayer consists of three elements. “Petition, praise, and worship.”
There is an interesting verse found in Ezekiel 22. The chapter is all about God, and His anger towards Israel for their rebellion and sins.
Ezekiel 22:28-29
28 Her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord has not spoken.
29 The people of the land have practiced oppression and committed robbery, and they have wronged the poor and needy and have oppressed the sojourner without justice.
Ezekiel 22:30
I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.
NLT
“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.”
“No one there to defend, and no one there to intercede.”
What a sad epitaph for the nation of Israel.
“Jesus stood in the gap for us”
Paul understood the value of intercessory prayer. He shared an admonition to Timothy that would do us well to follow today.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
He is encouraging us to pray for people, and for those in authority. “Pause and calmly think of that.”
Ephesians 6:18-19
18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, “ Paul said pray for me”
Romans 15:30
Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
AMPC
I appeal to you [I entreat you], brethren, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love [given by] the Spirit, to unite with me in earnest wrestling in prayer to God in my behalf.
Matthew 26:39-41
39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”
40 And He *came to the disciples and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour?
41 Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
God is searching for someone to pray.
When I read these last few scriptures an old chorus we used to sing, from years ago, came to my mind.
It’s me, Its me oh Lord. Standing in the need of prayer.
Link to the video. Hope you enjoy. http://bit.ly/2tWLXOx
#lovewins #hopelives
I Prayed-He Heard
I Prayed, and He Heard
Together, we are experiencing a change in the atmosphere. I really love this stuff. “Something going on!!!”
Not long ago I shared a quote on twitter by Frank Bartelman.
The depth of your repentance will determine the height of your revival.
We live in a world where people want something for nothing. The church world is no different. I say this broadly.
Nothing real, nothing lasting, ever comes without repentance and prayer. “Lots of it”
I want to share some thoughts titled, “I Prayed, and He Heard”
When I began to think of Sunday’s message I had nothing. I looked at notes, scriptures, thoughts that I had jotted down. Nothing seemed right. So I prayed.
Usually in these situations I simply ask for a word. A place to start. The word came very quickly and it branched out with two more words that I will get to today.
In prayer, I heard the word, overwhelmed. It led to the word encompassed, and the word mourning. We will get to them all.
David wrote a Psalm after he had been delivered from all his enemies, including Saul.
Psalms 18:1-6
1 “I love You, O Lord, my strength.”
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
And I am saved from my enemies.
4 The cords of death encompassed me, And the torrents of ungodliness terrified me.
5 The cords of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me.
6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple,
And my cry for help before Him came into His ears.
David had been overwhelmed, encompassed. He prayed and God heard.
He wrote again about confidence in God’s protection.
Psalms 61:1-4
1 Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah.
Another Psalm David wrote when he was hiding in a cave.
Psalms 142:2-4
2 I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him.
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, You knew my path. In the way where I walk They have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see; For there is no one who regards me; There is no escape for me; No one cares for my soul.
“overwhelmed, encompassed, in mourning”
Emotions all over the place. Defeat, fear, doubt, sorrow, enemies abound.
David went on.
Psalms 142:5-7
5 I cried out to You, O Lord; I said, “You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.
6 “Give heed to my cry, For I am brought very low;
Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are too strong for me.
7 “Bring my soul out of prison, So that I may give thanks to Your name; The righteous will surround me, For You will deal bountifully with me.”
Much of David’s life sounds like some of our days, and weeks, and years.
Overwhelmed, with life events, family and relationship problems. Financial situations, and on and on.
Encompassed, surrounded by negative influence. Situations that look hopeless, no way out.
Mourning, with a broken heart for family, friends, failures.
“Still have to face the issues”
What did David do? He prayed, and God heard.
James approached these issues with something of a different take. Now for those of us who have lived a while we understand that life events just happen. Without reason, without sin, or without failure. They just happen.
“It still feels the same.”
Still James wrote that we must look at ourselves. Probably because mankind has never changed. We still continue to make mistakes, bad decisions, and chase our fleshly desires.
James 4:8-10
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
If I could give a short commentary for these 3 verses it would be this.
“There are times, when we ain’t all that.”
Yes, there are times when we must accept some accountability for the things that come our way. It doesn’t make us bad people. It does however mean, that our heart must break for our part in the mess we are in.
James 4:8-10 AMPC
8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].
9 [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins].
This is all about verse 10.
10 Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].” Here is the link for the video of this message. http://bit.ly/2tbBXnH
We pray-He Hears.
Blessings to you all.
#lovewins #hopelives
Would You Agree Together?
Would You Agree?
Grace, mercy, and love. Three of my favorite words from the Bible. When you put faith with these words you open a door. A path, if you will, that leads people to repentance.
A path that the unbeliever can embrace and follow. Grace, mercy, and love are certainly three of Christ’s most dominant character traits.
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.
John 3:16-17 Msg
Here are some words from Christ
Luke 11:5-13
5 Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’;
7 and from inside he answers and says, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’
8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
10 For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
11 Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he?
12 Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he?
13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”
The statement seems to say to those of us who pray to God. We shall be heard. This statement, promise, revelation, rests entirely on one very important thing. “Christ’s authority.”
Matthew 28:18 AMP
Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
The word authority from the Greek means, “the power of choice, the liberty of doing as one pleases, the power of influence and privilege.”
Hebrews 1:1-2 AMP
1 God, having spoken to the fathers long ago in [the voices and writings of] the prophets in many separate revelations [each of which set forth a portion of the truth], and in many ways,
2 has in these last days spoken [with finality] to us in [the person of One who is by His character and nature] His Son [namely Jesus], whom He appointed heir and lawful owner of all things, through whom also He created the universe [that is, the universe as a space-time-matter continuum].
Sometimes we think that God is deaf to our prayers. In fact this is far from His reality.
The delay in fact has a purpose. It is to deepen our faith, and educate us in His ways. Aligning us with His will.
Will He always answer? “All I can say is pray, pray, pray, persistently.”
Matthew 7:7-8 AMP
7 “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.
There is something to be said of perseverance. Many successful businesses started from failure after failure. Many dreams have been realized. Many churches have conquered adversity and thrive in their communities. Individuals have overcome extreme difficulties to realize their purpose and walk it out.
“All because of perseverance.”
Today the word perseverance is defined this way, “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”
I want to add an ingredient to these thoughts of persistent prayer. It is found from the words of Christ in 2 distinct verses.
Matthew 18:19-20 NASB
19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.
20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
AMPC
19 Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.
20 For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I Am in the midst of them.
Being a follower of Christ will often take you places that you never thought of. Places in prayer, crying out to God in the Spirit for needs far beyond the world you live in. In difficulties that stretch your faith. Christ followers will often have dreams that seem impossible. So impossible, that at times we will not even reveal them for fear of failure. Afraid that people will think we are crazy.
So what do we do with all these seemingly impossible tasks, prayers, difficulties, and dreams.
“Find someone to help you pray.”
Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.
“I want to agree with you today!!” Video link to message below. #lovewins #hopelives
Taking Another Look
Not in Vain
Much is being said today about the church and its influence in the world. Many are expecting a revival in America. I have been praying, along with others for several years, that an awakening would move across this land.
It is needed. People are often confused about revival. Revival is for the church. Of course in great revivals people will come to know Christ as their Savior. Still, it comes, God sends it, when the church is found in repentance for the darkness it has embraced.
When I speak of darkness, I simply mean that often the light of Christ is diminished in the church world. With all the hate filled rhetoric streaming from pulpits. Diving into the politics of the world. Fighting over theology and interpretation.
The only message that will change a heart is shrouded in the darkness of opinion and anger.
Of course this is not true across the board. Even those caught in this web of darkness are good people. Still they move forward with the whims of the majority, and leave behind the most important story from the Bible.
The story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
I know, if you have read one of my blogs, or one of many Facebook posts, you have heard this before.
I see an awesome change taking place in ministry.
Change is occurring in the message from many pulpits and organizations across this awesome country.
Jesus is alive. He loves everyone. You can not live like you want when you come to Christ. We know that, and teach that.
Over the years I have come to realize that people will change when they know they are loved.
When you convince someone of the great love that God has for them. When they embrace it, things will change. People will repent and turn to follow Christ.
I love the church. Still we must be aware of the influence we embrace. The message we give. The church must be willing to repent.
Repent from such things as growing cold in our praise and prayer. Repent for our lack of forgiveness, and our religious self righteousness.
Repent for rejecting the needs of your community. Even if all you can do is pray. You must shine in the place that God has planted you.
Somehow from the very beginning I moved away from my original thoughts. Still, they have become relevant now.
Over 2000 years the church has weathered every storm. From persecutions, poverty, religion, disease.
It has never been perfect, only in heart. Still we move forward in glory at times. At other times in repentance.
With our ups and our downs we keep moving. Shining the light of Christ. The light that reveals His love for us, and our need for Him.
Paul gave the Corinthian church this encouragement.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
I love this stuff.
Have a blessed day and keep on working for the Lord. Some plant, some water, some reap. Everyone has a part in this wonderful movement.
The church of our Lord Jesus Christ.
#lovewins #hopelives
You Have to be Kidding
Recently I posted a blog with some short thoughts on the condition of the church, and the message it shares. Of course I was speaking broadly, as I indicated in the post.
You will find no greater advocate for the church than me. Betty and I have fought for more than 14 years for the right of all people to find safety and love in the church. For some unknown reason to me, some people define the love of God for all people as flesh pleasing. Avoiding the truth of their sin filled lives.
There is nothing further from the truth. At Amazing Life Church we have seen many over the years come to Christ and be baptized, all because they were shown God’s love. They turned to Christ because they heard His story. The only thing that can redeem them is to believe in Christ as their Savior.
I hate sin. The problem in many churches is there is only one or two sins preached. Heaven forbid you teach Proverbs six, or the rejection of Christ by the wealthy young ruler. The story of how we put things before Him. Jealousy, pride, or failure to forgive.
Who are you worried about offending when you will not acknowledge these sins?
There is not a person, in my belief, that does not see their sin,when in the church, you create an atmosphere of love and praise.
When this happens you allow God, and the Holy Spirit to do their job. (When He comes, He will convince the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.)
I have to say that I love it when religion is angered. It confirms the word from the Lord and its relevance to us today.
Some may take from my earlier post that I am criticizing the church. Once again, nothing is further from the truth. I call it like it is. I am a Pastor, not someone who just shows up. I pastor a church, not just a group of people.
I love the church, and it is nothing more than arrogant hypocrisy to tell the world it needs to repent. All the while refusing to look at ourselves as members of His body, and acknowledge our faults and failures. Then repent ourselves.
In Romans 2 Paul was rebuking the church for passing judgment on others. Then He said this.
Romans 2:4
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? The Kindness of God!!!
Five different verses in Revelation show Jesus calling on His churches to repent.
The church at Ephesus, Revelation 2:5. The church at Pergamum, Revelation 2:16. The church at Thyatira, Revelation 2:21. The church at Sardis, Revelation 3:3.
I love the fifth one, it is the church at Laodicea.
Revelation 3:19
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.
You see, I love the church, and when you find me challenging the church and its message, two things are going on.
First, I look at myself and the work we are building. Have I, or others within our church wandered off course. Is there something we need to improve. Something requiring repentance.
Secondly, because I love the church I will point out what I believe to be the danger that occurs when the church rejects the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
From the Greek, the word Gospel is defined as good news. Vines dictionary further defines the Gospel as the story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
It is not Jesus plus, it is just Jesus.
Hope this clears things up for some of you who were confused.
As Paul said, let me show you a more excellent way.
I pray you are blessed and empowered by His love.
#lovewins #hopelives
Let us Pray
Let us Pray
I wanted to share some thoughts today on prayer. The kind of heartfelt prayer that moves the hand of God.
Prayer, prayed in the desert. The dry places of your life.
Prayer prayed in the garden, when you are facing your greatest trial.
Prayer prayed in your secret place, when your heart breaks for a loved one or friend. Helpless to meet their need, and knowing that only God can.
Over the years I have come to believe that prayer and passion must come together. Praying with an urgency. Someone you love needs help.
Praying with much love, for our world and our communities. Praying that God would move in our land, and in our churches. Love moves our hearts to break for the sins of the world. When this happens we must be moved to pray.
Jesus taught us to pray this way.
Matthew 6:9-13
9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’
Before I go further take note of verse 12.
You are asking God to treat you, like you treat others.
Jesus taught us to pray with Kingdom in mind. Pray with Kingdom authority. Prayer that will align us with God’s will.
Not prayer for God to align His will with ours. (Oh, I am sorry, did I say that?)
We should pray with the understanding that we will likely have to wait for the answer. If you have read the Bible you understand that.
With that said, we must be consistent in our prayers. Steadfast in the vision that God has given. Unwavering in faith, and confident that God will answer.
We live in a right now culture. In other words, God I need you to do this right now.
Often we feel discouraged, even let down, if the answer doesn’t come when we want it.
We must understand that God sees every event in our lives. He positions us. Prepares us to fulfill our purpose.
There are times when a need requiring prayer seems urgent. In need of an immediate answer. Someone is sick, facing a serious illness. We pray for healing.
A job is opening up that must be filled in a few days. We pray for God’s favor. Many times these urgent prayers will be answered.
Let me tell you why I believe that occurs. It is my sincere belief that these prayers are piggy backed on the faithful consistent prayers we have prayed every day. I know that seems to be an over simplification.
I believe that God honors our faithfulness to pray. When we are praying broadly, for our world, our region and community. When we pray consistently for God to move in our community. Praying for the harvest of souls. The anointing for ministry.
On and on. The unselfish prayers that we pray for others. The prayers of humility. Giving Him praise for what He has already done. In prayer worshiping Him for who He is.
He is a good God and He loves His children.
He will not always give us what we want.
He will always give us what is best for us. The answer that will move us forward in our purpose. Making a difference in our world.
Paul said this in several of his letters.
We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers.
Take notice of the word always. Remember to always pray. Pray with passion, In Jesus name.
Blessings to you.
#lovewins #hopelives.
Not in Vain
Not in Vain
Much is being said today about the church and its influence in the world. Many are expecting a revival in America. I have been praying, along with others for several years, that an awakening would move across this land.
It is needed. People are often confused about revival. Revival is for the church. Of course in great revivals people will come to know Christ as their Savior. Still, it comes, God sends it, when the church is found in repentance for the darkness it has embraced.
When I speak of darkness, I simply mean that often the light of Christ is diminished in the church world. With all the hate filled rhetoric streaming from pulpits. Diving into the politics of the world. Fighting over theology and interpretation.
The only message that will change a heart is shrouded in the darkness of opinion and anger.
Of course this is not true across the board. Even those caught in this web of darkness are good people. Still they move forward with the whims of the majority, and leave behind the most important story from the Bible.
The story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
I know, if you have read one of my blogs, or one of many Facebook posts, you have heard this before.
I see an awesome change taking place in ministry.
Change is occurring in the message from many pulpits and organizations across this awesome country.
Jesus is alive. He loves everyone. You can not live like you want when you come to Christ. We know that, and teach that.
Over the years I have come to realize that people will change when they know they are loved.
When you convince someone of the great love that God has for them. When they embrace it, things will change. People will repent and turn to follow Christ.
I love the church. Still we must be aware of the influence we embrace. The message we give. The church must be willing to repent.
Repent from such things as growing cold in our praise and prayer. Repent for our lack of forgiveness, and our religious self righteousness.
Repent for rejecting the needs of our community. Even if all you can do is pray. You must shine in the place that God has planted you.
Somehow from the very beginning I moved away from my original thoughts. Still, they have become relevant now.
Over 2000 years the church has weathered every storm. From persecutions, poverty, religion, disease.
It has never been perfect, “only in heart”. Still we move forward in glory at times. At other times in repentance.
With our ups and our downs we keep moving. Shining the light of Christ. The light that reveals His love for us, and our need for Him.
Paul gave the Corinthian church this encouragement.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
I love this stuff.
Have a blessed day and keep on working for the Lord. Some plant, some water, some reap. Everyone has a part in this wonderful movement.
The church of our Lord Jesus Christ.
#lovewins #hopelives
What about Them?
“What about Them?”
This year is moving fast. Not only in time, but in involvement in our community. God has been moving in people’s hearts to see this ministry bear the fruit that God has positioned us to bear.
Ever since we started the backpack event at Amazing Life Church, our mission has been to serve our community. We have also been committed to provide a safe place for any and everyone to hear the awesome story of Jesus.
The only walls we have standing are the ones who hold back religious persecution. Those who use the Bible to divide God’s people, and alienate others who want to know Him.
“These walls will stand strong, as we continue to do what Jesus did. Minister in every way we can, to everyone we can.”
Jesus spent much of His time refining religion. He tried to put God first in the hearts of His priests but they would not hear. The concept of God being present, and in them was something they could not embrace.
As a result He moved God and His power beyond the singular control of the Levitical priesthood. He empowered common people to build His future church, and establish His presence in the hearts of man.
He took people who lacked education, and most lacked wealth. Many were common sinners, some prostitutes. Some housewives. Tax collectors and fisherman.
He chided the Jews for their unbelief. Healed lepers, blind men, demon possessed. He fed thousands with a prayer. Many of these unnamed men and women followed Him. He sent forth people to establish His works and many more were touched by His words and deeds.
After His ascension He empowered His church to work the works of God.
His ministry was rough on the religious community. He caused them to look beyond the normal standards of service. He taught that service must be shrouded in humility.
That word shrouded has 2 meanings. It means to conceal or hide something. It is also speaks of the garment that dead people were wrapped in.
Many years ago, even before God moved me here. He began to deal with me about the focus of my preaching. He moved me away from what was normal. Simply put everybody preached against sin. The sins for the day would vary, based on news cycles or whatever our favorite preachers would establish each week. That was considered hard, tell it like it is preaching.
One day God showed me what hard preaching was. Like the story of Isaiah I shared last week, He showed me a picture of who I was. I didn’t like it. He showed me wasted time. A critical spirit. The need for prayer. Most notably, He showed me my failure to love as He loved.
It changed my life and made me a rebel in certain circles. A title that even today I am proud and honored to claim. Compromise they say. Afraid to tell the truth.
I have never feared God’s truth. He is Truth. His way is Truth. His life is Truth. I love Truth. The truth is, the hardest preaching is not preaching sin. It is preaching that makes us look at ourselves. Saint or sinner. Preaching that challenges our faith and our love. Preaching that demands we forgive. Preaching that moves us to hunger for more of His presence. Preaching that challenges us to love sinners and tell them, without prejudice. The story of Jesus.
It is this preaching I embrace today. It is this preaching that will change us, and as a result, it will change the world we live in.
There is no greater revelation than that which comes from seeing ourselves, saint or sinner, for who we really are. Seeing what God sees.
I have found myself many times referring to portions of Psalms 51. David’s prayer of repentance. Although I have never been guilty of the sin he had committed. Sin is sin, is it not? Failure to love. Being critical. Wasting your time or your gift. Pride, arrogance, and so on and so on. This is part of David’s prayer.
Psalms 51:10-13 NASB
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You.
Message
God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don’t throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home.
This prayer speaks to a very important trait that all of God’s people must obtain.
Being in a position to reveal God, and to day, the path to God, Jesus. In a manner of authority and accountability. A position of humility and repentance.
I find it awesome that a prayer from a repentant OT figure can be relevant today. Cleanse me, renew me and give me strength. Embrace me with your presence. Restore my joy and my willingness to obey. “All of this so I will be able to tell your story!!!”
In The Gospel of John chapter 21 Jesus had risen and found some of the disciples at the sea of Tiberias.
Preparing to go fishing. When you get down to verse 15 you find Jesus challenging Peter. Do you love me more than these. Peter responded several times in the affirmative.
Just above verse 18 is the title, “Our Times Are in His Hand” Then Jesus said this.
John 21:18-23 NASB
18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.”
19 Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He *said to him, “Follow Me!”
20 Peter, turning around, *saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”
21 So Peter seeing him *said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?”
22 Jesus *said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”
23 Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”
Preach-What about Him?
What about you today? Your relationship. Your dreams. Your faults and failures.