I have several desires, #1 is to be where God wants me to be at all times. I know he is coming to get his children and I don't want to be left behind.
The next is to do all I can for our Marines, Army, and all our service men and women everywhere. I wanted to send JERKY to those in Irac. I couldn't afford very much of the store bought so I began to pray about it. I had never made Jerky but I knew that I could do it. I began to tell folks about my desire and ask if anyone had a food dehydrator. I got an email from someone that GAVE me a almost new one and it has extra trays! Well you can't make jerky without meat so I ask God to provide the meat. I looked at Walmart and found seasoning. I bought a box and some ground chuck and a package of ground turkey and tryed it. Well I was so excited! It turned out wonderful but I found out to send any kind of homemade jerky anywhere that i would need special bags and I needed to get all the air out. I heard about a tool that was at Walmart by the foil and bags. It was perfect. It's battery operated. I was still asking God about deer. I knew that I could not keep buying meat. My heart was so full. It seemed the desire was getting bigger and bigger. Well a friend gave me 2 whole deer!!!Then my brother gave me 8 shoulders and 3 hind quarters!!! Then I told the Lord that I was so happy and I ask a friend if he knew anyone that had a grinder. He didn't say anything but yesterday he said to get all the meat together that today we are taking it to another friends hose and they have what we need and said that we could use it anytime. We have an appt early and after that away we go to grind deer meat!!! Ant God good, HE'S BETTER THAN THAT! My husband says that I am "jerky happy" and he's right I certainly am.
Wow He does give us the desires of our heart..
Monday, January 7, 2008
Daily Disciplines for a Burning Heart
Daily Disciplines for a Burning Heart
Recall Dr. Brandon’s testimony in his message for this week concerning his daily pursuit of a burning heart:
I want to tell you a personal secret. This is a spiritual goal for my life every day. When I falter or fail to experience this, the day lacks freedom, freshness and fullness until I do.
We need to let every day be a day in His presence, whoever we are. In Psalm 27 David says, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord (which really means His presence), all the days of my life (which means every single day, this very day, and even this moment), to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple."
Then Dr. Brandon challenged us with these practical, daily disciplines necessary in order to have the consistent experience of a burning heart.
• Make this your priority every day.
• Make it your love relationship with the Lord.
• Be willing to get up early enough for this to happen.
• Let this be a special appointment with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
• Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him—do not rush!
• Prayerfully meditate on God’s word every morning.
• Trust Him for His presence living in you, and thank Him for a burning heart!
Read Romans 12:1-2. As you read these verses will you present yourself to the Lord to seek Him daily for a burning heart of loving fellowship with Christ? By His grace and depending on His strength, join many other Marketplace Chaplains and staff in making this commitment for the remainder of our "40 Days with the Master" emphasis. Pray for your fellow Chaplains and other MChapUSA staff in their pursuit of Christ.
Recall Dr. Brandon’s testimony in his message for this week concerning his daily pursuit of a burning heart:
I want to tell you a personal secret. This is a spiritual goal for my life every day. When I falter or fail to experience this, the day lacks freedom, freshness and fullness until I do.
We need to let every day be a day in His presence, whoever we are. In Psalm 27 David says, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord (which really means His presence), all the days of my life (which means every single day, this very day, and even this moment), to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple."
Then Dr. Brandon challenged us with these practical, daily disciplines necessary in order to have the consistent experience of a burning heart.
• Make this your priority every day.
• Make it your love relationship with the Lord.
• Be willing to get up early enough for this to happen.
• Let this be a special appointment with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
• Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him—do not rush!
• Prayerfully meditate on God’s word every morning.
• Trust Him for His presence living in you, and thank Him for a burning heart!
Read Romans 12:1-2. As you read these verses will you present yourself to the Lord to seek Him daily for a burning heart of loving fellowship with Christ? By His grace and depending on His strength, join many other Marketplace Chaplains and staff in making this commitment for the remainder of our "40 Days with the Master" emphasis. Pray for your fellow Chaplains and other MChapUSA staff in their pursuit of Christ.
A Week of prayer by all Assembly of God churches Jan. 6-12, 2008
Central Truth:
Prayer provides the opportunity for us to have conversations with God that will transform our lives.
Key Verse: Luke 11:1
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray.
The story is told of a young girl who was saying her bedtime prayers while her parents knelt beside her. "Dear God, bless Mommy and Daddy and my little brother, Tommy. God, I would really like a pony, but if You can’t get me a pony, a kitten would do. Amen."
Religious people have studied prayer for centuries in hopes of developing specific guidelines for making it effective. Today, many doctors, psychologists, and other health professionals focus on its miraculous impact on people. So often prayer is approached from a theoretical perspective that ignores the divine aspect of communion with God.
Simply put, however, prayer is conversation with the Heavenly Father that changes our lives. Whether it takes the form of a little girl’s simple request or a great scholar’s articulate intercession, this basic definition remains the same. What’s most important is that we learn how to pray as Jesus did. In today’s study, we will do just that as we examine, from Luke 11, the passage known as "The Lord’s Prayer."
Study the Scriptures
1. Get alone with God.
Read Mark 1:35–39 and Matthew 6:5–7.
On one occasion, after healing many sick people and delivering others from demons, Jesus set off from Peter and Andrew’s house early in the morning. (See Mark 1:35–39.) He found a quiet place to pray while it was still dark. Upon awakening, Peter and several others went to find Jesus. When at last He was located, they exclaimed that there were people looking for Him. Caught up in the busy events of the day, they didn’t understand the important relationship between prayer and ministry.
Yet Jesus knew quite well that there were others in need. And now, refreshed by His time with the Father, He was ready to continue in ministry. Instead of returning to Peter’s house, He wanted to go other places to preach the good news of God’s kingdom. So He travelled throughout Galilee, preaching in Jewish religious centers and casting out demons. Prayer helped equip Jesus to fulfill His purpose for that time in His life. Prayer didn’t distract Him from that purpose; rather, it prepared Him for that purpose.
Ask: Why do you think people sometimes struggle to balance a consistent prayer life with the "busy-ness" of their lives? (Note that we live in a "multitasking" society, which is constantly seeking ways to get as many different things done as possible. Sadly, this type of mindset can creep into our prayer lives. If we’re not actually doing something else while we pray, we’re tempted to think about other things. Jesus’ example is key; we need to set aside special time devoted only to our Heavenly Father. In that quiet place, apart from all distractions, we can share the deepest thoughts of our hearts as we also listen for His voice.)
There are other reasons to pray privately as well. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus rebuked hypocrites who loved to pray in public places to be seen by others. (See Matthew 6:5-–7.) Because they were more interested in public recognition than honoring God, Jesus said the only reward they’d receive would be that temporary, fleeting recognition—which was no reward at all. It’s important to note that Jesus wasn’t condemning prayer in public places. Indeed, corporate prayer is practiced by God’s people throughout the Bible. However, praying before others to appear righteous makes our prayers empty and meaningless. That’s why Jesus told His followers to find a private place for prayer. We are wise to follow His words, for in these moments we can be fully open and honest before God—not worrying about what others may think of what we say.
Activity: Sincere Prayer
Distribute blank sheets of paper and pens or pencils to students. Have them divide the paper into two sections and begin listing, in one section, qualities of sincere prayer. Then instruct them to use the other section for a list of terms that might describe hypocritical prayer. For example, sincere prayer is God-focused, loving, honest, and humble. Hypocritical prayer can be selfish, dishonest, self-righteous, and judgmental. Take time to discuss their lists.
Ask: "Where can you go to find a private place of prayer?" (Brainstorm ways students can make solitary prayer a part of their Christian lives. It might mean finding a specific room of the house where they can be alone undisturbed. There may be specific times each day when they can count on freedom from distractions. Whatever the case, it’s important that they make a place for private prayer.)
2. Focus on God’s glory.
Read John 17:1–5,13–21.
These verses record a portion of Jesus’ prayer shortly before His crucifixion. In it Jesus talked to the Father about the completion of His mission. His death would not represent a failure or a horrid mistake, for it would ultimately bring glory to the Father. God’s plan for humanity’s salvation from sin was about to reach its climax. In that sense, the events of the following hours would reveal God’s glory, power, and grace like never before.
Jesus then turned His prayer toward the needs of His disciples. Just as He had been hated by the world, now His disciples—including us—would be hated as well. In the New Testament, the word "world" often represents those who are opposed to God. But note that Jesus did not pray that we would be removed from the world. Rather, He prayed that we would be protected from Satan’s godless plans as we do God’s work in the world. As followers of Jesus, we are not like unbelievers in mind or spirit. Our lifestyle and priorities are totally different. Jesus prayed that we would stay separate from the world’s influences even as we minister within it. We are here to glorify God and bring others to Him by working together for that single purpose.
Ask: "What does Jesus’ prayer teach us about prayer? Jesus’ prayer provides us with two important principles that can impact our prayer lives.
• First, prayer should glorify God rather than elevate self. It’s tempting to see prayer as merely a means by which we get what we want while eliminating the unpleasantries of life. It’s certainly true that God wants us to pray about our needs, whether big or small. But we must keep our eyes on the higher purpose. God has given us life and salvation to bring glory to Him and His kingdom. This ought to be the focus of our prayers.
• Second, when our prayers are God-centered, they will reflect a sincere submission to His plan for our lives. Our prayer lives must include the recognition that we will face spiritual battles and be forced to make sacrifices because of our faith. The world will reject and even resist many of the principles and convictions we stand for. That’s why it is important to pray that God will be glorified in and through us, no matter the consequences.
Discuss how the witness of individual Christians, as well as the Church as a whole, would be impacted if our prayers better reflected Jesus’ prayer in John 17.
3. Follow the example of Jesus.
Read Luke 11:1–4.
Back in the time of Christ, many rabbis would teach their followers patterns of prayer. One day when He had finished praying, one of Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. Jesus responded with a powerful and familiar pattern for our conversations with God, known as the Lord’s Prayer.
Ask: "What is the primary focus at the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer?"
Jesus made it clear in the beginning of His prayer that our conversations with God must include a time of focusing on Him and His kingdom. As we pray for God’s honor and glory to be made known in this world, our selfish requests are replaced with petitions that honor God. In this way, we show true signs of maturity in our walk of faith. The will of God should always be foremost in our minds when presenting our needs in prayer.
Note the specific phrases Jesus cites, the particular words He uses:
• Father... indicates the loving relationship we share with God as well as His position of authority over us.
• ...hallowed be your name... demonstrates God’s concern for reverence of Him and His kingdom. Our prayers ought to include an expression of desire that we do not dishonor Him.
• ...your kingdom come... represents a passion within our prayers for eternal, spiritual priorities, including the growth of God’s kingdom in our world and the return of Christ.
• ...your will be done on earth as it is in heaven... (see Matthew 6:10). In Matthew’s recording of the Lord’s Prayer, we see the priority of God’s will reflected in our prayers. The denial of our own will in favor of God’s will demonstrates a genuine, sincere submission to Him.
Discuss how our prayer lives will be impacted if we adopt the "kingdom mindset" seen in the first part of the Lord’s Prayer. Note that our prayers will expand beyond merely sharing needs, which, while important, is only a portion of what prayer is about. Prayer, in Jesus’ model, actively seeks spiritual priorities and victories. It honors God by recognizing Him as the King of Creation with a sovereign plan for us as well as the world.
Ask: "What specific types of needs did Jesus teach us to pray for in Luke 11:3,4?
Jesus continued His model for prayer by instructing us to pray for our needs. But His example went beyond the obvious and superficial to include four important areas:
• Give us each day our daily bread. God is concerned about our everyday, temporal needs. Note that we are to focus our hearts on what is needed today. He doesn’t want us to become anxious about the days ahead, knowing that He will provide. (See Matthew 6:33,34.)
• Forgive us our sins... This phrase begins the portion of Jesus’ prayer that highlights spiritual needs and includes our relationship with God as well as others (noted in the following section). It’s important to make repentance a regular part of prayer, and be willing to humble ourselves before God when we do sin. It’s the only way we can maintain the kind of walk with Him that He desires.
• ...for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. In Matthew 6:14,15, Jesus taught that forgiveness from God depends on our willingness to forgive others. It’s wise, then, to make our relationships with others a matter of consistent prayer. If we’re unwilling to seek restoration in situations where hard feelings exist, our prayer lives—and our walk with God—will suffer.
• Lead us not into temptation. We need spiritual protection and power from God at all times to stay victorious in the battles we will face. Satan is continually looking for ways to defeat us, and we need God’s deliverance from these evil influences (Matthew 6:13). It’s important to remember that God doesn’t tempt us toward sin (James 1:13). He does, however, allow us to experience testing for the purpose of growing our faith. The prayer here is that we do not find ourselves in a test that our faith cannot survive—a prayer that is made more understandable in connection with the Matthew 6:13 prayer for deliverance.
We need God’s continual protection and deliverance from Satan. That’s why our prayers must focus attention on the Father and His strength to provide for our salvation. We surrender ourselves to Him and give Him honor as the One who is above all. In this way we are humbled and He is glorified; we are transformed and He is exalted. It’s a foundational part of prayer that will show spiritual results now and throughout eternity.
Ask students to take a few moments for self-evaluation, pondering this question: "In what ways does my prayer life follow the example given by Christ in the Lord’s Prayer? In what ways does my prayer life fall short of the example given by Christ?" Challenge students to think about the content of their prayers. Talk about some reasons why our prayer lives might get out of balance. Discuss ways to maintain a balanced prayer life that follows the model given to us by Christ.
Activity: Prayer List
Distribute blank pieces of paper and pens or pencils to students. List on the board the different emphases of prayer Jesus highlighted in the Lord’s Prayer, as noted in the lesson above. (i.e., recognition of God as Father, reverence for God, passion for eternal priorities, surrender to His will, prayer for provision, prayer for forgiveness, prayer for the willingness to forgive, and prayer for spiritual protection and deliverance.) Ask students to note specific requests from their lives that would fall into each of these areas. (For example, "I need to exhibit a greater reverence for God in the way I talk about religious topics at work"; "I need to forgive my neighbor for the times he’s been inconsiderate about my property, causing bitterness on my part.") Encourage them to place their lists in their Bibles as a prayer reminder in coming days, then commit to making these requests a matter of consistent prayer.
Prayer provides the opportunity for us to have conversations with God that will transform our lives.
Key Verse: Luke 11:1
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray.
The story is told of a young girl who was saying her bedtime prayers while her parents knelt beside her. "Dear God, bless Mommy and Daddy and my little brother, Tommy. God, I would really like a pony, but if You can’t get me a pony, a kitten would do. Amen."
Religious people have studied prayer for centuries in hopes of developing specific guidelines for making it effective. Today, many doctors, psychologists, and other health professionals focus on its miraculous impact on people. So often prayer is approached from a theoretical perspective that ignores the divine aspect of communion with God.
Simply put, however, prayer is conversation with the Heavenly Father that changes our lives. Whether it takes the form of a little girl’s simple request or a great scholar’s articulate intercession, this basic definition remains the same. What’s most important is that we learn how to pray as Jesus did. In today’s study, we will do just that as we examine, from Luke 11, the passage known as "The Lord’s Prayer."
Study the Scriptures
1. Get alone with God.
Read Mark 1:35–39 and Matthew 6:5–7.
On one occasion, after healing many sick people and delivering others from demons, Jesus set off from Peter and Andrew’s house early in the morning. (See Mark 1:35–39.) He found a quiet place to pray while it was still dark. Upon awakening, Peter and several others went to find Jesus. When at last He was located, they exclaimed that there were people looking for Him. Caught up in the busy events of the day, they didn’t understand the important relationship between prayer and ministry.
Yet Jesus knew quite well that there were others in need. And now, refreshed by His time with the Father, He was ready to continue in ministry. Instead of returning to Peter’s house, He wanted to go other places to preach the good news of God’s kingdom. So He travelled throughout Galilee, preaching in Jewish religious centers and casting out demons. Prayer helped equip Jesus to fulfill His purpose for that time in His life. Prayer didn’t distract Him from that purpose; rather, it prepared Him for that purpose.
Ask: Why do you think people sometimes struggle to balance a consistent prayer life with the "busy-ness" of their lives? (Note that we live in a "multitasking" society, which is constantly seeking ways to get as many different things done as possible. Sadly, this type of mindset can creep into our prayer lives. If we’re not actually doing something else while we pray, we’re tempted to think about other things. Jesus’ example is key; we need to set aside special time devoted only to our Heavenly Father. In that quiet place, apart from all distractions, we can share the deepest thoughts of our hearts as we also listen for His voice.)
There are other reasons to pray privately as well. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus rebuked hypocrites who loved to pray in public places to be seen by others. (See Matthew 6:5-–7.) Because they were more interested in public recognition than honoring God, Jesus said the only reward they’d receive would be that temporary, fleeting recognition—which was no reward at all. It’s important to note that Jesus wasn’t condemning prayer in public places. Indeed, corporate prayer is practiced by God’s people throughout the Bible. However, praying before others to appear righteous makes our prayers empty and meaningless. That’s why Jesus told His followers to find a private place for prayer. We are wise to follow His words, for in these moments we can be fully open and honest before God—not worrying about what others may think of what we say.
Activity: Sincere Prayer
Distribute blank sheets of paper and pens or pencils to students. Have them divide the paper into two sections and begin listing, in one section, qualities of sincere prayer. Then instruct them to use the other section for a list of terms that might describe hypocritical prayer. For example, sincere prayer is God-focused, loving, honest, and humble. Hypocritical prayer can be selfish, dishonest, self-righteous, and judgmental. Take time to discuss their lists.
Ask: "Where can you go to find a private place of prayer?" (Brainstorm ways students can make solitary prayer a part of their Christian lives. It might mean finding a specific room of the house where they can be alone undisturbed. There may be specific times each day when they can count on freedom from distractions. Whatever the case, it’s important that they make a place for private prayer.)
2. Focus on God’s glory.
Read John 17:1–5,13–21.
These verses record a portion of Jesus’ prayer shortly before His crucifixion. In it Jesus talked to the Father about the completion of His mission. His death would not represent a failure or a horrid mistake, for it would ultimately bring glory to the Father. God’s plan for humanity’s salvation from sin was about to reach its climax. In that sense, the events of the following hours would reveal God’s glory, power, and grace like never before.
Jesus then turned His prayer toward the needs of His disciples. Just as He had been hated by the world, now His disciples—including us—would be hated as well. In the New Testament, the word "world" often represents those who are opposed to God. But note that Jesus did not pray that we would be removed from the world. Rather, He prayed that we would be protected from Satan’s godless plans as we do God’s work in the world. As followers of Jesus, we are not like unbelievers in mind or spirit. Our lifestyle and priorities are totally different. Jesus prayed that we would stay separate from the world’s influences even as we minister within it. We are here to glorify God and bring others to Him by working together for that single purpose.
Ask: "What does Jesus’ prayer teach us about prayer? Jesus’ prayer provides us with two important principles that can impact our prayer lives.
• First, prayer should glorify God rather than elevate self. It’s tempting to see prayer as merely a means by which we get what we want while eliminating the unpleasantries of life. It’s certainly true that God wants us to pray about our needs, whether big or small. But we must keep our eyes on the higher purpose. God has given us life and salvation to bring glory to Him and His kingdom. This ought to be the focus of our prayers.
• Second, when our prayers are God-centered, they will reflect a sincere submission to His plan for our lives. Our prayer lives must include the recognition that we will face spiritual battles and be forced to make sacrifices because of our faith. The world will reject and even resist many of the principles and convictions we stand for. That’s why it is important to pray that God will be glorified in and through us, no matter the consequences.
Discuss how the witness of individual Christians, as well as the Church as a whole, would be impacted if our prayers better reflected Jesus’ prayer in John 17.
3. Follow the example of Jesus.
Read Luke 11:1–4.
Back in the time of Christ, many rabbis would teach their followers patterns of prayer. One day when He had finished praying, one of Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. Jesus responded with a powerful and familiar pattern for our conversations with God, known as the Lord’s Prayer.
Ask: "What is the primary focus at the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer?"
Jesus made it clear in the beginning of His prayer that our conversations with God must include a time of focusing on Him and His kingdom. As we pray for God’s honor and glory to be made known in this world, our selfish requests are replaced with petitions that honor God. In this way, we show true signs of maturity in our walk of faith. The will of God should always be foremost in our minds when presenting our needs in prayer.
Note the specific phrases Jesus cites, the particular words He uses:
• Father... indicates the loving relationship we share with God as well as His position of authority over us.
• ...hallowed be your name... demonstrates God’s concern for reverence of Him and His kingdom. Our prayers ought to include an expression of desire that we do not dishonor Him.
• ...your kingdom come... represents a passion within our prayers for eternal, spiritual priorities, including the growth of God’s kingdom in our world and the return of Christ.
• ...your will be done on earth as it is in heaven... (see Matthew 6:10). In Matthew’s recording of the Lord’s Prayer, we see the priority of God’s will reflected in our prayers. The denial of our own will in favor of God’s will demonstrates a genuine, sincere submission to Him.
Discuss how our prayer lives will be impacted if we adopt the "kingdom mindset" seen in the first part of the Lord’s Prayer. Note that our prayers will expand beyond merely sharing needs, which, while important, is only a portion of what prayer is about. Prayer, in Jesus’ model, actively seeks spiritual priorities and victories. It honors God by recognizing Him as the King of Creation with a sovereign plan for us as well as the world.
Ask: "What specific types of needs did Jesus teach us to pray for in Luke 11:3,4?
Jesus continued His model for prayer by instructing us to pray for our needs. But His example went beyond the obvious and superficial to include four important areas:
• Give us each day our daily bread. God is concerned about our everyday, temporal needs. Note that we are to focus our hearts on what is needed today. He doesn’t want us to become anxious about the days ahead, knowing that He will provide. (See Matthew 6:33,34.)
• Forgive us our sins... This phrase begins the portion of Jesus’ prayer that highlights spiritual needs and includes our relationship with God as well as others (noted in the following section). It’s important to make repentance a regular part of prayer, and be willing to humble ourselves before God when we do sin. It’s the only way we can maintain the kind of walk with Him that He desires.
• ...for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. In Matthew 6:14,15, Jesus taught that forgiveness from God depends on our willingness to forgive others. It’s wise, then, to make our relationships with others a matter of consistent prayer. If we’re unwilling to seek restoration in situations where hard feelings exist, our prayer lives—and our walk with God—will suffer.
• Lead us not into temptation. We need spiritual protection and power from God at all times to stay victorious in the battles we will face. Satan is continually looking for ways to defeat us, and we need God’s deliverance from these evil influences (Matthew 6:13). It’s important to remember that God doesn’t tempt us toward sin (James 1:13). He does, however, allow us to experience testing for the purpose of growing our faith. The prayer here is that we do not find ourselves in a test that our faith cannot survive—a prayer that is made more understandable in connection with the Matthew 6:13 prayer for deliverance.
We need God’s continual protection and deliverance from Satan. That’s why our prayers must focus attention on the Father and His strength to provide for our salvation. We surrender ourselves to Him and give Him honor as the One who is above all. In this way we are humbled and He is glorified; we are transformed and He is exalted. It’s a foundational part of prayer that will show spiritual results now and throughout eternity.
Ask students to take a few moments for self-evaluation, pondering this question: "In what ways does my prayer life follow the example given by Christ in the Lord’s Prayer? In what ways does my prayer life fall short of the example given by Christ?" Challenge students to think about the content of their prayers. Talk about some reasons why our prayer lives might get out of balance. Discuss ways to maintain a balanced prayer life that follows the model given to us by Christ.
Activity: Prayer List
Distribute blank pieces of paper and pens or pencils to students. List on the board the different emphases of prayer Jesus highlighted in the Lord’s Prayer, as noted in the lesson above. (i.e., recognition of God as Father, reverence for God, passion for eternal priorities, surrender to His will, prayer for provision, prayer for forgiveness, prayer for the willingness to forgive, and prayer for spiritual protection and deliverance.) Ask students to note specific requests from their lives that would fall into each of these areas. (For example, "I need to exhibit a greater reverence for God in the way I talk about religious topics at work"; "I need to forgive my neighbor for the times he’s been inconsiderate about my property, causing bitterness on my part.") Encourage them to place their lists in their Bibles as a prayer reminder in coming days, then commit to making these requests a matter of consistent prayer.
Friday, January 4, 2008
The Suffering servant
In Luke 24:27 we read that Jesus interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Likely one of those passages was Isaiah, chapter 53. Read Isaiah 53:1-12.
Now read Isaiah 53:4-6 again, making it personal between you and your Savior. Read slowly, attentively, thoughtfully, several times:
Surely you have borne my griefs and carried my sorrows; yet I esteemed you stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But you were wounded for my transgressions; you were crushed for my iniquities; upon you was the chastisement that brought me peace, and with your stripes I am healed. Like a sheep I have gone astray; I have turned to my own way; and the Lord has laid on you all of my iniquity.
A major theme of Christ’s instruction for the two disciples on the Emmaus road was the necessity of His sufferings (Lk. 24:26). Perhaps as they heard Him describe Himself as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, they also saw themselves in Isaiah’s testimony as the recipients of the benefits of his suffering. No wonder their "hearts burned within them."
Nothing ignites the heart of the believer more than a fresh awareness of the sacrificial, personal love of the Savior. As Paul said in Galatians 2:20c – "He loved me and gave himself for me!" Meditate on this truth and let it fill and permeate your heart today.
Write a worshipful, grateful, loving response to Christ for His love for you personally
Thank you Father for saving me. For reaching way down to a young girl and helping her out of the middle of a family that didn't know you or have any interest in you. Thank you for giving all my family a chance to get to know you. I love you and I know that it has been because of you that I have a mind to serve you. Father you know the changes that took place over the years and especially in 2007. This is a new year and I pray for a new me! In my heart I want to please you and love others like you love me. Please forgive me for anything that shouldn't be in my heart and help my eyes see all souls as you see them. I believe that this is a day of love and forgiveness. We must love one another as you love us. Thank you for this priviledge of writing even if no one but you sees it. You are my life. Father lead me where you want me. Let me know what I should do in all things. I must move forward. Let it be where you want me because I could never be happy unless I am in your will. Teach me to love and not withdraw from anyone.
It's in your name and for your glory that I ask these things and that I praise you from my heart. As I go to LeTourneau today let some soul need a smile or a hug or a prayer and make my eyes to see and not miss it. AMEN
Now read Isaiah 53:4-6 again, making it personal between you and your Savior. Read slowly, attentively, thoughtfully, several times:
Surely you have borne my griefs and carried my sorrows; yet I esteemed you stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But you were wounded for my transgressions; you were crushed for my iniquities; upon you was the chastisement that brought me peace, and with your stripes I am healed. Like a sheep I have gone astray; I have turned to my own way; and the Lord has laid on you all of my iniquity.
A major theme of Christ’s instruction for the two disciples on the Emmaus road was the necessity of His sufferings (Lk. 24:26). Perhaps as they heard Him describe Himself as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, they also saw themselves in Isaiah’s testimony as the recipients of the benefits of his suffering. No wonder their "hearts burned within them."
Nothing ignites the heart of the believer more than a fresh awareness of the sacrificial, personal love of the Savior. As Paul said in Galatians 2:20c – "He loved me and gave himself for me!" Meditate on this truth and let it fill and permeate your heart today.
Write a worshipful, grateful, loving response to Christ for His love for you personally
Thank you Father for saving me. For reaching way down to a young girl and helping her out of the middle of a family that didn't know you or have any interest in you. Thank you for giving all my family a chance to get to know you. I love you and I know that it has been because of you that I have a mind to serve you. Father you know the changes that took place over the years and especially in 2007. This is a new year and I pray for a new me! In my heart I want to please you and love others like you love me. Please forgive me for anything that shouldn't be in my heart and help my eyes see all souls as you see them. I believe that this is a day of love and forgiveness. We must love one another as you love us. Thank you for this priviledge of writing even if no one but you sees it. You are my life. Father lead me where you want me. Let me know what I should do in all things. I must move forward. Let it be where you want me because I could never be happy unless I am in your will. Teach me to love and not withdraw from anyone.
It's in your name and for your glory that I ask these things and that I praise you from my heart. As I go to LeTourneau today let some soul need a smile or a hug or a prayer and make my eyes to see and not miss it. AMEN
Experiencing The Love of God
Experiencing the Love of God
Read Luke 7:36-50
The burning heart of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus was partly due to their enlightened understanding that they were recipients of the blessings of Christ’s suffering, as He taught them from the Scriptures. Their burning heart of love for Christ was the result of His sacrificial, burning heart of love for them, and their awareness of that divine love. Jesus taught this same truth in Luke 7 to the Pharisee named Simon.
Simon did not love Jesus less than the woman because he had fewer sins. No, he had a multitude of sins—of the worst kind—legalistic, religious hypocrisy, among many others. Rather, he had no love for the Lord Jesus because he neither saw his sins nor his need to be forgiven of them. In vivid contrast, the woman loved Jesus with unashamed abandon. J. C. Ryle explains the cause and effect in the woman’s actions:
Her many tears, her deep affection, her public reverence, her action in anointing His feet, were all traceable to one cause. She had been forgiven, and so she loved much. Her love was the effect of her forgiveness—not the cause; the consequence of her forgiveness—not the condition; the result of her forgiveness—not the reason; the fruit of her forgiveness—not the root. . . . Forever let this mighty principle laid down by our Lord . . . sink down into our hearts. . . . It is one of the secrets of the kingdom of God. The only way to make men holy is to teach and preach free and full forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The secret of being holy ourselves, is to know and feel that Christ has pardoned our sins.2
In Jesus’ parable (vv. 41-42), the favorable position is the greater debtor (500 denarii) with much love, not the lesser debtor (50 denarii) with little love. We move toward the 500 denarii debtor not by sinning more, but by a greater, deeper recognition and confession of our sins. As a believer matures the focus of sanctification moves from the outward, obvious sins to the inward, hidden heart sins of petty attitudes, wrong beliefs, spiritual idolatries and even sinful feelings. When we see the greater depth and breadth of our sins and the corresponding love of God for us in Christ, the result is greater love for our Savior. Such awareness, confession and repentance should be part of our daily pursuit of a burning heart.
Father today help me love those that don't love me. I can love those that love me without even thinking about it but today I am going to be at a place where some of the people resent and have problems with me. Please give me a heart to love them. Father please let my spirit come under subjection to you and nothing be in my heart but pure love for all I see. Thank you. Amen
Read Luke 7:36-50
The burning heart of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus was partly due to their enlightened understanding that they were recipients of the blessings of Christ’s suffering, as He taught them from the Scriptures. Their burning heart of love for Christ was the result of His sacrificial, burning heart of love for them, and their awareness of that divine love. Jesus taught this same truth in Luke 7 to the Pharisee named Simon.
Simon did not love Jesus less than the woman because he had fewer sins. No, he had a multitude of sins—of the worst kind—legalistic, religious hypocrisy, among many others. Rather, he had no love for the Lord Jesus because he neither saw his sins nor his need to be forgiven of them. In vivid contrast, the woman loved Jesus with unashamed abandon. J. C. Ryle explains the cause and effect in the woman’s actions:
Her many tears, her deep affection, her public reverence, her action in anointing His feet, were all traceable to one cause. She had been forgiven, and so she loved much. Her love was the effect of her forgiveness—not the cause; the consequence of her forgiveness—not the condition; the result of her forgiveness—not the reason; the fruit of her forgiveness—not the root. . . . Forever let this mighty principle laid down by our Lord . . . sink down into our hearts. . . . It is one of the secrets of the kingdom of God. The only way to make men holy is to teach and preach free and full forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The secret of being holy ourselves, is to know and feel that Christ has pardoned our sins.2
In Jesus’ parable (vv. 41-42), the favorable position is the greater debtor (500 denarii) with much love, not the lesser debtor (50 denarii) with little love. We move toward the 500 denarii debtor not by sinning more, but by a greater, deeper recognition and confession of our sins. As a believer matures the focus of sanctification moves from the outward, obvious sins to the inward, hidden heart sins of petty attitudes, wrong beliefs, spiritual idolatries and even sinful feelings. When we see the greater depth and breadth of our sins and the corresponding love of God for us in Christ, the result is greater love for our Savior. Such awareness, confession and repentance should be part of our daily pursuit of a burning heart.
Father today help me love those that don't love me. I can love those that love me without even thinking about it but today I am going to be at a place where some of the people resent and have problems with me. Please give me a heart to love them. Father please let my spirit come under subjection to you and nothing be in my heart but pure love for all I see. Thank you. Amen
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Personal Revival and Cleansing
Read Luke 24:25-26
Jesus called these two disciples"foolish and slow of heart to believe" all that the Old Testament scriptures declared about His suffering and glorification. How would the Lord Jesus describe your heart today?
Whatever a burning heart is, it must include a growing understanding of and a deepening affection for Christ, His cross and resurrection. Has your heart become sluggish in your relationship with Christ? Have you lost the personal delight in the knowledge of Christ's love and sacrifice for you?
Humility, repentance, and confession of sin, are always vital first steps to the revival of our hearts. "Repent therefore and return that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19)
Revival has one chief aim- the removal of sin and the purifying of the believer...Revival itself concerns two parties, God and His people. The message of the revival is:What are you doing about your piled up sins? Revival is a sign that, because of his thinning patience, God has moved his people to confession... The seed of revival is the grief of the Holy Spirit, the confession of the people is the Spirits grief vented. Only when the Spirit is "ungrieved " can the blessing come. It is at that point that Gods people can take a mighty leap forward.Unless I have a contented Holy Spirit within me, I need revival. Revival is God's surgery for people who have grown dull of hearing.
Make Psalm 139:23-24 your prayer:"Search me, O God and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." Also remember 1 John 1:9 for direction and hope:" If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." A helpful exercise for some is to write down specific sins, confess and forsake them and then cross them off the paper.
Jesus called these two disciples"foolish and slow of heart to believe" all that the Old Testament scriptures declared about His suffering and glorification. How would the Lord Jesus describe your heart today?
Whatever a burning heart is, it must include a growing understanding of and a deepening affection for Christ, His cross and resurrection. Has your heart become sluggish in your relationship with Christ? Have you lost the personal delight in the knowledge of Christ's love and sacrifice for you?
Humility, repentance, and confession of sin, are always vital first steps to the revival of our hearts. "Repent therefore and return that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19)
Revival has one chief aim- the removal of sin and the purifying of the believer...Revival itself concerns two parties, God and His people. The message of the revival is:What are you doing about your piled up sins? Revival is a sign that, because of his thinning patience, God has moved his people to confession... The seed of revival is the grief of the Holy Spirit, the confession of the people is the Spirits grief vented. Only when the Spirit is "ungrieved " can the blessing come. It is at that point that Gods people can take a mighty leap forward.Unless I have a contented Holy Spirit within me, I need revival. Revival is God's surgery for people who have grown dull of hearing.
Make Psalm 139:23-24 your prayer:"Search me, O God and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." Also remember 1 John 1:9 for direction and hope:" If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." A helpful exercise for some is to write down specific sins, confess and forsake them and then cross them off the paper.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Steps to a burning heart
Luke 24:13-35 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
13And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
14And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
20And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
23And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
29But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
33And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
Did you read this slowly and carefully? Why not go back and read it again?
1-(vv, 13-20) Acknowledge that a burning heart comes to someone who already knows Christ spiritually and desires more of Him.
2-(v.21) Cultivate a spiritual hunger for the lord Jesus Christ and trust Him for it.
3-vv 22-24, Be willing to listen and learn from others the trurths about Christ.
4-vv 25-26, Let Christ Himself search your heart for your spiritual needs and confess any sin of unbelief relating to the presence of Christ.
5-v. 27, Become aware of the centrality of the lord Jesus Christ in all the scriptures as you seek a burning heart.
6- vv. 29-32 Earnestly and humbly invite Christ to open your eyes personally to the reality of a burning heart.
7. vv. 33-35 Share with fellow believers personally your spiritual excitement of experiencing a burning heart from the lord Jesus Christ.
Let us pray for a burning heart right now beginning a renewal with our master. We could have the same testimony as the 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus:" Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was opening the scriptures to us?" (NASB)
King James Version (KJV)
13And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
14And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
20And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
23And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
27And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
29But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
33And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
Did you read this slowly and carefully? Why not go back and read it again?
1-(vv, 13-20) Acknowledge that a burning heart comes to someone who already knows Christ spiritually and desires more of Him.
2-(v.21) Cultivate a spiritual hunger for the lord Jesus Christ and trust Him for it.
3-vv 22-24, Be willing to listen and learn from others the trurths about Christ.
4-vv 25-26, Let Christ Himself search your heart for your spiritual needs and confess any sin of unbelief relating to the presence of Christ.
5-v. 27, Become aware of the centrality of the lord Jesus Christ in all the scriptures as you seek a burning heart.
6- vv. 29-32 Earnestly and humbly invite Christ to open your eyes personally to the reality of a burning heart.
7. vv. 33-35 Share with fellow believers personally your spiritual excitement of experiencing a burning heart from the lord Jesus Christ.
Let us pray for a burning heart right now beginning a renewal with our master. We could have the same testimony as the 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus:" Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was opening the scriptures to us?" (NASB)
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