Power of Prayer

Having a prayer life opens a line of communication with God.  With an open line of communication, we will grow closer to God thus have a closer relationship and walk with God. Devoting ourselves to prayer will cause us to be watchful and thankful, because with an active prayer life you will become more concerned about the things God is concern about.  Having an active prayer life will make us watchful, so we won't enter into temptation. (Matthew 26:41 )  

Jeremiah 33:3, says  Pray and God will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things.  As in (Isaiah 40:29-31), as we pray we gain strength.  When we get weary, praying increases the power of the weak. Prayer along with confession and repentance restores us when we stumble and fall into sin.  Psalm 34:17, says Praying is sending a cry for help to God, he hears and will deliver us from all of our troubles.  Luke 18:1-43, says we should always pray just so we don't lose faith or become dishearten.

• When we pray we must not only pray for us and our own family or situation, but Matthew 5:44, says we should pray for those who persecute us.
• We should pray that God's kingdom come, He's will is done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
• We should pray for Godly wisdom, Godly friends and Godly mates.  The best way to stay in a right relationship with God is to ensure the people around you are also in a right relationship with God.
• We should pray that we honor God with how we live our lives, so our life can truly be a living sacrifice to a dying world.
• We should pray that the word is truly a lamp onto my feet and a light onto my path.  (Psalm 119:105)
• We should pray for spiritual discernment, so we can better judge when and with who to build good relationships and who to end bad relationships with. 
• We should pray that we can live in God's fullness. (Ephesians 3:19)
• We should pray to receive and be guided the Holy Spirit.

1 Timothy 2:1-4, urges that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for all who are in high positions, to lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

We should also be very careful not to pray with the wrong motive as stated in James 4:3.  When we pray we must keep in mind that we are asking God to be with us as we are weak.  So we have to make sure we are in a Godly frame of mind if we are asking God to join with us to give us strength, wisdom and deliverance from our bad situation.  Having malice or wishing harm to come to God's people will led to us being separated from God.  Holding onto discontent for someone in our heart is sinful, since you're rejecting God's command to love.

The Wages of Sin...

As children we are told what's right and wrong, once we grow up how can a unbeliever be expected to know what's right and wrong. Certainly knowledge comes through us seeking the truth or being taught right and wrong. Believers go to church and hear a word from God through the preacher about what's right and wrong. Also through experience, we learn our sinful deeds will lead us to face very real consequences for our actions.  Even though unbelievers haven't read the bible to know the written moral laws, we all are accountable to know there are standards in which we should live by.  

The consequences of living and engaging in sin. 
Sin separates us from God 
Sin leads to emotional instability 
Sin leads to a lack of self control 
Sin brings God's judgement 
Sin opens more opportunities to sin 
Sin will keep you from hearing or seeing God 
Habitual sinful behavior leads to strongholds (feeling of enslavement, powerless to stop)
Living in sin will keep you from inheriting the Kingdom of God
Sinful living hardens your heart against God
Sinful living suppresses the spiritual nature, which causes a spiritual and physical death
A mind that is set on fleshy satisfaction is hostile to God (Romans 8:7)
Sin causes a sense of being lost and creates confusion in the mind

There's one thing I'd like to make clear, we have two natures living inside of us.  We have a sinful nature because of our fleshly bodies and desires.  Our spiritual nature comes from God creating us in His image.

God created the flesh to be a vessel or temple that would be strong enough to hold our spirit.  The greatest thing about freewill is that we have a choice of whether we use our bodies in the way in which it was intended which is for the building up of God's kingdom, or  to use it in a way that will lead to our demise. God's design and plan for our physical bodies is to be used to carryout His work, instructions and will.  Romans 12 instructs us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice.  We are to use our bodies to serve God with our Spiritual Gifts.

List of Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12):

Word of wisdom 
Word of knowledge 
Special faith 
Healing miraculous 
Power of prophecy 
Distinguishing of spirits 
Speaking in Tongues 
Interpretation of tongues

Paul told the believers in Galatia that “the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is contrary to the sinful nature. Romans 6:23   
The objective of this lesson is to point out and demonstrate the reality and seriousness of sin and its consequences of death and point lost sinners to Christ.  We understand that God gives us daily renewed  grace and mercy (Lamentations 3:22-24), but that doesn't give us a license to sin. Continually engaging in sinful behavior without remorse makes us an unrepentant sinner.  We need to keep in mind that in sin we don't have a good nor close relationship with God.  So if we want to go to heaven, we have to sow into building a right relationship with Him.  Salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8) that cost us nothing, but we do have to work to build a strong relationship with Him.  The more you put into a relationship, the more you get out of it.  This is certainly true with God.  Sowing into spiritual things helps us resist the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 6:8)
Hosea 10:12 says, Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.  

God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him.  We must respect that there's no way we can get ourselves into Heaven, so that's why we shouldn't lean on our own understanding.  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6) and it's His example in which we need to seek after, emulate, study and pray to take on His character, to truly have any chance of receiving God's gift of salvation.  

Even though unbelievers will not be held to the same standards as believers are held, unbelievers will still not only have to answer for their sins, but they will be also be held accountable for their works and pay for their own sins in eternity (Rev 20:11-16). Likewise believers will also have to stand and give an account to God for the works they've done or not done.  

Unbelievers are still accountable to know God's commandments. The wages of sin don't just affect those who believe, because ignorance of the law is no excuse to continue in sin. ” Luke 12:48, says “But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” Romans 3:19, says we are accountable to know God's law. Romans 2:12-16, says If you sin without knowing what you’re doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you’re doing, you will be judged by the law.

The Message  for today is whether you're a believer or unbeliever,  we are all sinners and sin effects us all.  So let us not boast about our goodness, we should acknowledge and profess our gratefulness for God being a loving, compassionate and forgiving God even when we don't deserve it.  

Do not Conform!

With the court's recently decision on gay marriage, Christians now more that ever are feeling the pressure to conform to the world's way of living.  As a Christian I'm feeling a bit confused about where and how to move forward from here?  First thing we have to remember is not to panic. No matter what's going on in the world, God is still in control. When all is said and done, it's God's will be done.  

Even though we are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, as it says in Ephesians 2:10, we are very much free agents.  We have freewill to live as we wish and should not be prosecuted for our life choices.  And that's still the message from God for us today, we should look not to be prosecutors of sinners.  The goal isn't to make people feel bad about the decisions they are making, but to encourage them to want to live right for God and include Him in their decision making process. 

Here is a great opportunity as Christians to ensure that God is being rightly represented in a sinful world.   What still should be our main focus is to lift God up, so He can draw all men unto Him, like stated in John 12:32.  Now is the time to make sure that we are spiritually walking closely with Jesus. We need to ensure that we are living by the word of God and that we are studying the bible to show ourselves approved by God as stated in 2 Timothy 2:15.  We need to be sure that we are consistently praying and engaging in daily devotionals.  Even now we must not abandon creating and engaging in opportunities to fellowship. It is very important that we position ourselves to show the world that God is worthy of our sacrifice, praise and in His will is the best way to live our lives.  We need to remember that like in, Matthew 5:16 letting our light shine before others, so they see us living for God's approval, will give God the glory. 

We must be imitators of God and walk in love.  Just as Jesus loves us, gave himself up for us, we must give up ourselves spiritually to be the example of righteous living for the world, as stated in Ephesians 5:1-33.  While we need to exercise tolerance to respect people's right to freewill, we must not become accepting that sin is now right in the eyes of God.  God still needs us to share the word with & minister to an unsaved and dying world, but we need to first be right with God ourselves before we can be used by Him to show the way to the lost.

The key to not conforming to the world's views:

Colossians 3:16 - Let the word dwell in you richly, to teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

(Be honest with yourself, be sure your living and speaking is truly purposed for sharing a loving God with the unsaved and you're planting a seed that will hopefully save the life.)

1 Timothy 2:1-4  I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for those in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  

1 Peter 3:17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 

(Look for opportunities to do good, to be a servant and show those who don't know, who God is.) 

True Discipleship

On the heels of the word to commit yourself to God, let's examine what being a true disciple means. Luke 9:23, says "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  Disciple is defined as any follower of Christ.  There is a continued theme here, just like if you call yourself a Christian, you are a follower of Christ or calling yourself a Christian you're declaring you live a life like Christ's.

We definitely have to be careful not to call ourselves Christians without actually being a disciple. We will then be guilty of using the Lord's name in vain.  Calling yourself a Christian is carrying/wearing  God's name.  If you knowingly and willfully continue in sin and excuse yourself because of your declaration of being a Christian, you are blaspheming God's name.  That's just one of many examples you can use God's name in vain.  Those who carry His name, does so as a representative of who He is.  So if you're calling yourself a Christian, be fully prepared to learn how and to live by it.

Disciplining is to train to be a disciple, so being a disciple is to be someone who learns how to be a disciple.  How can one become a true disciple?  First thing we have to do like I noted last week, we must commit mind, body and soul to live in the will of God.  It's definitely a given that in order to be true disciples, we must remember and live by the ten commandments.  We must commit to being used by God for service to people who are believers and unbelievers, those who are hurt, suffering or who have lost hope.  We have to study the word, so we can become teachers and train others to also become disciples.  Matthew 28:19-20 ESV, says Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The most important thing to learn in order to be a true disciple is to love, to be understanding and to have a compassion when dealing with God's people. Regardless of beliefs, religion, conditions, race, etc., God wants us to show others the love of God like he has shown to us.

Matthew 22:36-40, list two commandments that are the foundation for the Christian life and it says 36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  37Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  38This is the first and greatest commandment.  39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

What does it mean to love?  Many know of the verb meaning of love which is a feeling of sexual attractions, but I want to emphasize the noun definition of love which is to have a deep affection.  To love is also to have compassion, to care for, to be concerned for, to exercise friendliness, kindness, charity, goodwill and exercising sympathy for others.

You see, you can't be a true disciple unless you first know how to love and to love others like God loves you.

Christ's Terms of Discipleship

http://biblehub.com/sermons/auth/barfield/christ's_terms_of_discipleship.htm

A. F. Barfield.

Luke 9:23
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

I. THE TERMS OF DISCIPLESHIP are —

1. Self-denial.

2. Endurance — Take up his cross daily.

3. Perseverance — "And follow Me."

II. THE REASONS GIVEN.

1. Because selfishness brings ultimate loss.

2. Because sacrifice brings ultimate salvation.

III. THE MOTIVE INCULCATED — "For My sake."

How are you using the Lord's name in vain?

Exodus 20:7

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

I briefly mentioned, in yesterday’s post, one way in which Christians take the Lord’s name in vain.  Unfortunately, too many of us have become very casual about this commandment, and I thought I’d take the time to mention some things we should consider.

Taking God’s Name in Vain

“Vain” means useless, or empty.  This verse, one of the Ten Commandments, tells us to not use God’s name in an empty or useless way.  God is to be respected as high and holy.  This isn’t optional.

 “OMG”

I read an article a couple of weeks ago (unfortunately, I forgot to note who gave me the link) which I thought was excellent.  I know nothing about the author, but her article (What does the Bible say about OMG?) is excellent.  Too many Christians, in moments of excitement, dismay, etc., say, “Oh my God,” — and it isn’t a prayer.  Others, more “refined,” say, “Oh my gosh,” which is effectively the same watered down a little bit.  When we do this, we are saying God’s name without any real meaning to it — using it vainly.

Text-speak and Internet usage have made this far worse.  Blogs, Facebook, and Twitter too often encourage people to speak quickly and mindlessly, and it is so very easy to type in “OMG” without even thinking about it.  Is that consistent with reverence for our God?  If you see a Christian doing this, perhaps you could send a private note asking him to stop.  He’s probably not even thought about it.

No one ever says, “Oh my Satan,” or a watered-down “Oh my Santa.”  Or, for that matter, “Oh my spaghetti” or “Oh my desk.”  Why do unbelievers always use “Oh my God”?  We know why — the god of this world is influencing them to use words that diminish reverence for the Almighty God.  Why should Christians even mimic that with a watered-down “Oh my gosh”?

Read more:

http://mindrenewers.com/2012/03/13/omg-and-other-ways-christians-take-gods-name-in-vain/

A call to be committed to God

Are you hungry for God? 

Trying to live according to God's will can be tough. It's funny how, I don't very often find myself craving to read the bible or praying to God. What makes it the most challenging to understand is if I decide to eat right and deny myself unhealthy food, my cravings are overwhelming. Struggling with holding back from your cravings, means that you have become to dependent on what you're trying to free yourself of. Also your body could be carving certain foods, because your body is suffering from nutrient deficiencies. 

While doing research on this topic, I found an article that list the distinction between desire and craving - desire is an expression of longing, craving is an expression of neediness. Likewise to hunger is to have a strong desire or craving for. I would go as far as saying to hunger is to suffer because of a lack of. Is it possible for one to crave the word of God? And how can I experience this craving, is the question I hope comes to your mind too. I can even take it a step further and say that we should create a routine of thanking God, worshiping God, reading the bible and praying daily. In my journey of trying to get healthier, I was told that if I create a routine of eating right and exercising daily I will become so accustomed to doing right for my body, that I'd be more likely to keep it up. 

If I ever begin to backslide and don't practice in the accustomed routine, then I will crave and hunger God. Furthermore, if I seek after the things of God, He will open up my heart, eyes and mind that will cause me to want more of Him.  What a blessing we will receive if we first set our mind on pleasing, praising and knowing God. The Spirit of the LORD will rest upon me-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD as stated in Isaiah 11:2.

From this day forward my goal is to create a hunger for God that will then open my eyes and turn me from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that I may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Him as stated in Acts 26:18.

The call to be committed to God, especially in today's day and age is to remember His commandments and His statutes, look for opportunities to do good - Galatians 6:10. Be in reverent fear of the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth - Joshua 24:14.  Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:1-2.   We are called as Christians to walk in the way and by the example that Jesus himself showed to us - 1 Peter 2:21. 

Scriptures of the day: 
1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. 

Psalms 14:2 The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men To see if there are any who understand, Who seek after God.