We had a great time at Dow Park last night. In total we had 10 people, about 3 gallons of ice cream, around 50 cones and bars of ice cream and a case of bottled water that we gave out. However, the best thing last night and the main reason we went out to the park was to simply offer gifts to anyone that would like one. I personally met several individuals including two sets of grandparents with grandkids, three very nice young families with kids and over 15 pre-teens / teenagers. I even had the opportunity to talk a little shop with one of the guys that is currently enrolled in college. The highlight of the evening for me was watching David on the skateboard. He did make it off the shorter ramps (one time with a little help from one of the kids-he was pushed) and the other time was truly solo. However, Dave was not comfortable sailing off the large ramp into the land of pain. So we had to be happy with watching the kids fly around on their skateboards and bikes. Overall it was a very good evening and we were able to accomplish our goal of just getting out into the city and doing some good work. We are looking forward to our next event at Dow Park on August 22nd at 7:00 PM.
Also, I was asked to post the receipt for the ice cream that we had so here it is:
Ingredients:
4 cans evaporated milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 t. vanilla
Whole milk
Instructions:
Beat with mixer all the time
Beat eggs, add sugar and vanilla, and beat until the sugar dissolves
Add all the canned milks
Put into ice cream freezer and fill to the “fill line” with the whole milk
Run the freezer until frozen
For chocolate: add I can of Hershey’s chocolate syrup
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Time to Start Moving
The time has come for us to start putting into practice the things we have been discussing and praying about over the past few months.
We have completed a season of beginning along with a season of prayer and fasting. Now is the time for motion.
Starting in August we will be meeting on the 2nd and the 4th Saturdays of each month. These meeting will take place in Dow Park at 7:00 PM. Our first date is Aug 8th, on this day we will meet at the park to pass out ice cream and introduce ourselves to anyone in the park. We will also be discussing additional ways to serve others and planning those events. This activity is open to anyone in the Deer Park area that is simply interested in following Jesus and helping others. Pass the word and let's see how many gallons of ice cream we can pass out.
We have completed a season of beginning along with a season of prayer and fasting. Now is the time for motion.
Starting in August we will be meeting on the 2nd and the 4th Saturdays of each month. These meeting will take place in Dow Park at 7:00 PM. Our first date is Aug 8th, on this day we will meet at the park to pass out ice cream and introduce ourselves to anyone in the park. We will also be discussing additional ways to serve others and planning those events. This activity is open to anyone in the Deer Park area that is simply interested in following Jesus and helping others. Pass the word and let's see how many gallons of ice cream we can pass out.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
40 Days... Day 40
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 40 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Hebrews 7:25
Hebrews 7:25
25Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
What a great thought to end this season of prayer with, Jesus intercedes for us. I hope that everyone has been able to gain something from these past 40 days. Our prayers will not go unanswered, we need only to have faith in what we have been praying for and to seek it out. God will provide both the opportunity and the means for us to accomplish our goals.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 40 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Hebrews 7:25
Hebrews 7:25
25Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
What a great thought to end this season of prayer with, Jesus intercedes for us. I hope that everyone has been able to gain something from these past 40 days. Our prayers will not go unanswered, we need only to have faith in what we have been praying for and to seek it out. God will provide both the opportunity and the means for us to accomplish our goals.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
40 Days...Day 39
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 39 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Hebrews 5:7-10
Hebrews 5:7-10
7In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. 8Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, 10being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
I can not believe we are already on day 39, and here we find Jesus being made perfect through His sufferings. In all the Jesus suffered in His life, He never lost faith or hope, and He never lost contact with God. If you are going through a hard time or a time of suffering right now, don’t loose heart. Keep the prayers flowing up to God and know that He is faithful. God can turn every situation created by demons into good. We may not understand how, but we can trust Him.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 39 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Hebrews 5:7-10
Hebrews 5:7-10
7In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. 8Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, 10being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
I can not believe we are already on day 39, and here we find Jesus being made perfect through His sufferings. In all the Jesus suffered in His life, He never lost faith or hope, and He never lost contact with God. If you are going through a hard time or a time of suffering right now, don’t loose heart. Keep the prayers flowing up to God and know that He is faithful. God can turn every situation created by demons into good. We may not understand how, but we can trust Him.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
40 Days...Day 38
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 38 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 17
John 17
1Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, 2even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.
3"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4"I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. 5"Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. 6"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7"Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; 8for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me.
9"I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; 10and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11"I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. 12"While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.
13"But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15"I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.
16"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17"Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18"As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19"For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22"The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24"Father, I desire that (they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25"O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; 26and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."
Wow, what a prayer from our savior Jesus. Please take the time to read through this passage two or three times today, don’t just hurry through it and miss the power of this passage.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 38 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 17
John 17
1Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, 2even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.
3"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4"I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. 5"Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. 6"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7"Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; 8for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me.
9"I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; 10and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11"I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. 12"While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.
13"But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 14"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15"I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.
16"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17"Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18"As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19"For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22"The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. 24"Father, I desire that (they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25"O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; 26and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."
Wow, what a prayer from our savior Jesus. Please take the time to read through this passage two or three times today, don’t just hurry through it and miss the power of this passage.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Monday, June 22, 2009
40 Days...Day 37
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 37 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 16:23-28
John 16:23-28
23"In that day you will not question Me about anything Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24"Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.
25"These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father.
26"In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; 27for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28"I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father."
Boldness in prayer, it should be something that we do on a regular basis, but do we? If not, then the question should be, why not? Jesus has given us the instructions to be bold and pray “asking the Father in Him name” on many occasions. How well do we trust Jesus, or do we lean on what we have been taught and our traditions?
Step out of the rut and truly believe in God and make a bold request of the Father. It is not testing God it is simple following God’s desire for our lives.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 37 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 16:23-28
John 16:23-28
23"In that day you will not question Me about anything Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24"Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.
25"These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father.
26"In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; 27for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28"I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father."
Boldness in prayer, it should be something that we do on a regular basis, but do we? If not, then the question should be, why not? Jesus has given us the instructions to be bold and pray “asking the Father in Him name” on many occasions. How well do we trust Jesus, or do we lean on what we have been taught and our traditions?
Step out of the rut and truly believe in God and make a bold request of the Father. It is not testing God it is simple following God’s desire for our lives.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
40 Days...Day 36
Good Evening Church,
Today is day 36 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 15:9-17
John 15:9-17
9"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14"You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17"This I command you, that you love one another.
Love one another, that is such a simple thing to do, and yet it is so very hard. The single most important thing we can do to show love is to serve one another. By taking the focus off ourselves we can shift that focus to God where it belongs.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 36 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 15:9-17
John 15:9-17
9"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. 11"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14"You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17"This I command you, that you love one another.
Love one another, that is such a simple thing to do, and yet it is so very hard. The single most important thing we can do to show love is to serve one another. By taking the focus off ourselves we can shift that focus to God where it belongs.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
40 Days...Day 35
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 35 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 15:7-8
John 15:7-8
7"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8"My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
Here we have Jesus making us a promise that is just what we are looking for, to be fruitful. Believe this with all your heart and have faith that Jesus will honor His promise.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 35 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 15:7-8
John 15:7-8
7"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8"My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
Here we have Jesus making us a promise that is just what we are looking for, to be fruitful. Believe this with all your heart and have faith that Jesus will honor His promise.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Friday, June 19, 2009
40 Days... Day 34
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 34 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 14:15-16
John 14:15-16
15"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 16"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;
A Helper, in the form of God’s Holy Spirit. What an incredible gift, and all we have to do is ask. I hope your prayer daily is that God will continue to increase His Spirit in our congregation, and in your life personally.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 34 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 14:15-16
John 14:15-16
15"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 16"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;
A Helper, in the form of God’s Holy Spirit. What an incredible gift, and all we have to do is ask. I hope your prayer daily is that God will continue to increase His Spirit in our congregation, and in your life personally.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
40 Days...Day 33
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 33 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 14:12-14
John 14:12-14
12"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.
13"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
I honestly believe that if we have faith and do all in the name of Jesus, God will provide for us. It does not matter if it is a personal request or a congregational request, it can be done. Trust the words of Jesus in this passage, He if faithful.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 33 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 14:12-14
John 14:12-14
12"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.
13"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
I honestly believe that if we have faith and do all in the name of Jesus, God will provide for us. It does not matter if it is a personal request or a congregational request, it can be done. Trust the words of Jesus in this passage, He if faithful.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
40 Days... Day 32
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 32 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 12:23-28
John 12:23-28
23And Jesus answered them, saying, "he hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
25"He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.
26"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
27"Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.
28"Father, glorify Your name " Then a voice came out of heaven: "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."
So much in this passage about prayer, humility and service. Three things that I am praying for and I am sure you are too.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 32 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 12:23-28
John 12:23-28
23And Jesus answered them, saying, "he hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
25"He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.
26"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
27"Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour.
28"Father, glorify Your name " Then a voice came out of heaven: "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."
So much in this passage about prayer, humility and service. Three things that I am praying for and I am sure you are too.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
40 Days...Day 31
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 31 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 11:41-42
John 11:41-42
41So they removed the stone Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42"I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me."
It sounds like this prayer is more for our benefit than it was to bring Lazarus back from the dead. This prayer sounds like it is for us to believe. Don’t let Jesus’ prayer be a waste, listen to what the Lord is saying to you today.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 31 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in John 11:41-42
John 11:41-42
41So they removed the stone Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42"I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me."
It sounds like this prayer is more for our benefit than it was to bring Lazarus back from the dead. This prayer sounds like it is for us to believe. Don’t let Jesus’ prayer be a waste, listen to what the Lord is saying to you today.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Monday, June 15, 2009
40 Days...Day 30
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 30 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 23:46
Luke 23:46
46And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.
Jesus understood what it meant to have a real relationship with God. Even as He was on the cross, His last breath was a prayer.
My prayer is that each of you are experiencing a growing relationship with God, as we continue this journey.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 30 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 23:46
Luke 23:46
46And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.
Jesus understood what it meant to have a real relationship with God. Even as He was on the cross, His last breath was a prayer.
My prayer is that each of you are experiencing a growing relationship with God, as we continue this journey.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
40 Days...Day 29
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 29 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 23:34
Luke 23:34
34But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing " And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
It is very easy to pray for your self, your friends, your family and even people you know that are “in need”. However, it is a different story to pray for enemies, or people that hurt us, or people that we don’t like. Learn from Jesus’ words and really His example to love everyone and to pray for all, even our enemies.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 29 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 23:34
Luke 23:34
34But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing " And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
It is very easy to pray for your self, your friends, your family and even people you know that are “in need”. However, it is a different story to pray for enemies, or people that hurt us, or people that we don’t like. Learn from Jesus’ words and really His example to love everyone and to pray for all, even our enemies.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
40 Days...Day 28
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 28 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 22:31
Luke 22:31
31"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;
We know Satan is seeking to temp us, how great is it to know that Jesus is praying for us. We all know we will fail sometimes, but like Peter we need to be willing to pick ourselves up and move forward.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 28 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 22:31
Luke 22:31
31"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;
We know Satan is seeking to temp us, how great is it to know that Jesus is praying for us. We all know we will fail sometimes, but like Peter we need to be willing to pick ourselves up and move forward.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Friday, June 12, 2009
40 Days...Day 27
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 27 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 18:9-14
Luke 18:9-14
9And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11"The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: 'God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12'I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.'
13"But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!'
14"I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
This is a great passage. While we should seek others help and advice when we enter a time of prayer, it is critical that we keep our hearts on God. I believe this parable is teaching about your heart and how you view and judge others. Remember that God does not need us, we need God. If that does not keep you humble, I am not sure what will.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 27 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 18:9-14
Luke 18:9-14
9And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11"The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: 'God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12'I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.'
13"But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!'
14"I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
This is a great passage. While we should seek others help and advice when we enter a time of prayer, it is critical that we keep our hearts on God. I believe this parable is teaching about your heart and how you view and judge others. Remember that God does not need us, we need God. If that does not keep you humble, I am not sure what will.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
40 Days...Day 26
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 26 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 18:1-8
Luke 18:1-8
1Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, 2saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man.
3"There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' 4"For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'"
6And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; 7now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?
8"I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
Again we see that through persistence; God, who is faithful, will accomplish great things. It may feel like to you that God is not answering your prayers. The reality may be that God is waiting on just the right time. Don’t grow weary, keep the prayers flowing to God and when His timing is perfect your answer will come.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Today is day 26 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 18:1-8
Luke 18:1-8
1Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, 2saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man.
3"There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' 4"For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, 5yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'"
6And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; 7now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?
8"I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
Again we see that through persistence; God, who is faithful, will accomplish great things. It may feel like to you that God is not answering your prayers. The reality may be that God is waiting on just the right time. Don’t grow weary, keep the prayers flowing to God and when His timing is perfect your answer will come.
God bless you today as you are praying.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
40 Days...Day 25
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 25 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 11:5-13
Luke 11:5-13
5Then 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; 6for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7and 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?"
Persistence, this is one of the main points of this entire exercise. Are you willing to be persistent? Are you willing to keep asking and keep seeking until you find what you are looking for?
I have heard it said many times that “you do not have, because you do not ask”, this is it, God is telling us to keep asking and keep seeking.
There aren’t any shortcuts in life, it is exactly what we are calling it, a journey. That does not mean that we cant have fun along the way, but our trip does include a big dose of persistence to keep us going in the right direction.
Today is day 25 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 11:5-13
Luke 11:5-13
5Then 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; 6for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7and 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?"
Persistence, this is one of the main points of this entire exercise. Are you willing to be persistent? Are you willing to keep asking and keep seeking until you find what you are looking for?
I have heard it said many times that “you do not have, because you do not ask”, this is it, God is telling us to keep asking and keep seeking.
There aren’t any shortcuts in life, it is exactly what we are calling it, a journey. That does not mean that we cant have fun along the way, but our trip does include a big dose of persistence to keep us going in the right direction.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
40 Days...Day 24
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 24 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 11:1-4
Luke 11:1-4
1It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples."
2And He said to them, "When you pray, say:
'Father, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
3'Give us each day our daily bread.
4'And forgive us our sins,
For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.'"
One standing principle of life is that if you want to learn something, make sure the teacher knows the material. Who knows how to pray better than Jesus did? I don’t think anyone would disagree that Jesus is the best teacher for prayer. Since Jesus is the best teacher, maybe we should pay a little more attention to what He is teaching us with this passage. Honor God and praise Him, don’t worry about tomorrow, forgive us our sins, help us to forgive others and keep us on the right path.
What a truly awesome lesson from the Master.
Today is day 24 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 11:1-4
Luke 11:1-4
1It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples."
2And He said to them, "When you pray, say:
'Father, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
3'Give us each day our daily bread.
4'And forgive us our sins,
For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.'"
One standing principle of life is that if you want to learn something, make sure the teacher knows the material. Who knows how to pray better than Jesus did? I don’t think anyone would disagree that Jesus is the best teacher for prayer. Since Jesus is the best teacher, maybe we should pay a little more attention to what He is teaching us with this passage. Honor God and praise Him, don’t worry about tomorrow, forgive us our sins, help us to forgive others and keep us on the right path.
What a truly awesome lesson from the Master.
Monday, June 8, 2009
40 Days...Day 23
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 23 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 9:28-29
Luke 9:28-29
28Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming.
This event must have been overwhelming to witness. Jesus started this event by bringing His friends up to the mountain to pray. Sometimes it is good to pray with others, in small groups or families. God wants your relationship with Him to be fun and relaxing. Enjoy your time with God and let Him work in your life.
Today is day 23 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 9:28-29
Luke 9:28-29
28Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming.
This event must have been overwhelming to witness. Jesus started this event by bringing His friends up to the mountain to pray. Sometimes it is good to pray with others, in small groups or families. God wants your relationship with Him to be fun and relaxing. Enjoy your time with God and let Him work in your life.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
40 Days...Day 22
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 22 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 6:12-13
Luke 6:12-13
12It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. 13And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles:
While I believe with all my heart that Jesus was capable and qualified to make this decision, He spent that night in prayer with God before selecting His apostles. It does not matter what the decision is, shouldn’t we take it to God and seek His advice? We may already know that answer, but isn’t it nice when God answers…
Today is day 22 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 6:12-13
Luke 6:12-13
12It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. 13And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles:
While I believe with all my heart that Jesus was capable and qualified to make this decision, He spent that night in prayer with God before selecting His apostles. It does not matter what the decision is, shouldn’t we take it to God and seek His advice? We may already know that answer, but isn’t it nice when God answers…
Saturday, June 6, 2009
40 Days...Day 21
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 21 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 3:21-22
Luke 5:15-16, 9:18
15But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
18And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, "Who do the people say that I am?"
As was His habit, Jesus often slipped away to pray in privacy. Don’t forget that if Jesus needed this alone time with God that we do also. Spend some time alone with God today.
Today is day 21 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Luke 3:21-22
Luke 5:15-16, 9:18
15But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.
18And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, "Who do the people say that I am?"
As was His habit, Jesus often slipped away to pray in privacy. Don’t forget that if Jesus needed this alone time with God that we do also. Spend some time alone with God today.
Friday, June 5, 2009
40 Days...Day 20
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 20 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Another milestone in our journey as we reach the halfway point. Today’s text is found in Luke 3:21-22
Luke 3:21-22
21Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."
This example of Christ is a little different. We have read about Jesus getting away for quite time, about praying when He was under distress and about Him praying when something needed to be accomplished.
Here we see Jesus praying as He is being baptized. It must have been a very happy time for Jesus as He is not very far into His journey. You can almost feel the excitement as you read the passage.
How many times do we neglect our relationship with God when things are going good? Maybe we shouldn’t, Jesus got a very special reward in the form of the Holy Ghost for His faithfulness.
Today is day 20 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Another milestone in our journey as we reach the halfway point. Today’s text is found in Luke 3:21-22
Luke 3:21-22
21Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."
This example of Christ is a little different. We have read about Jesus getting away for quite time, about praying when He was under distress and about Him praying when something needed to be accomplished.
Here we see Jesus praying as He is being baptized. It must have been a very happy time for Jesus as He is not very far into His journey. You can almost feel the excitement as you read the passage.
How many times do we neglect our relationship with God when things are going good? Maybe we shouldn’t, Jesus got a very special reward in the form of the Holy Ghost for His faithfulness.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
40 Days...Day 19
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 19 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 9:28-29
Mark 9:28-29
28When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, "Why could we not drive it out?" 29And He said to them, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer."
The topic of demons is very prevalent throughout the New Testament. Patrick Mead is doing a series called God at War on Wednesday evening at the Rochester Church of Christ that deals with this topic. The first 3 lessons are posted online at http://rccaudio.christianwitness.us/?page=1, I am really looking forward to the last 3 lesson in the series.
God truly is at war against the Devil and his demons, one of our best weapons in this war is prayer. Remember this warfare as you spend some time with God today.
Today is day 19 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 9:28-29
Mark 9:28-29
28When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, "Why could we not drive it out?" 29And He said to them, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer."
The topic of demons is very prevalent throughout the New Testament. Patrick Mead is doing a series called God at War on Wednesday evening at the Rochester Church of Christ that deals with this topic. The first 3 lessons are posted online at http://rccaudio.christianwitness.us/?page=1, I am really looking forward to the last 3 lesson in the series.
God truly is at war against the Devil and his demons, one of our best weapons in this war is prayer. Remember this warfare as you spend some time with God today.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
40 Days...Day 18
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 18 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 6:41 and 8:6-7
Mark 6:41 and 8:6-7
41And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before them; and He divided up the two fish among them all.
6And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. 7They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well.
God will provide. This is a lesson that I have been learning personally this year and it has really help my relationship with God. When we take the focus of ourselves and put it on others it is really amazing how our personal walk seems to become a little easier. I know this does not mean we will not have any issues or set backs, but it does help us keep the right attitude as we deal with this things.
Today is day 18 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 6:41 and 8:6-7
Mark 6:41 and 8:6-7
41And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before them; and He divided up the two fish among them all.
6And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. 7They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well.
God will provide. This is a lesson that I have been learning personally this year and it has really help my relationship with God. When we take the focus of ourselves and put it on others it is really amazing how our personal walk seems to become a little easier. I know this does not mean we will not have any issues or set backs, but it does help us keep the right attitude as we deal with this things.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
40 Days...Day 17
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 17 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 1:35-39
Mark 1:35-39
35In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. 36Simon and his companions searched for Him; 37they found Him, and said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You." 38He said to them, "Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for." 39And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons.
What a tremendous task it is, but what difference could it make in our life if we would follow this example from Jesus? Start your day in a secluded place and spend some time with God in prayer.
Today is day 17 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Mark 1:35-39
Mark 1:35-39
35In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. 36Simon and his companions searched for Him; 37they found Him, and said to Him, "Everyone is looking for You." 38He said to them, "Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for." 39And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons.
What a tremendous task it is, but what difference could it make in our life if we would follow this example from Jesus? Start your day in a secluded place and spend some time with God in prayer.
Monday, June 1, 2009
40 Days...Day 16
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 16 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Matthew and Mark
Matthew 27:46
46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
Mark 15:34
34At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
This is without any doubt Jesus’ most desperate time. Again Jesus provides us with a great example of faith and love even when He was on the cross.
Today is day 16 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Matthew and Mark
Matthew 27:46
46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
Mark 15:34
34At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
This is without any doubt Jesus’ most desperate time. Again Jesus provides us with a great example of faith and love even when He was on the cross.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
40 Days...Day 15
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 15 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Matthew, Mark and Luke
Matthew 26:36-44
36Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." 39And 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." 40And 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."42He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done."43Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.
Mark 14:32-42
32 They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here until I have prayed." 33And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. 34And He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch." 35And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. 36And He was saying, "Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will." 37And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38"Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." 39Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41And He came the third time, and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42"Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!"
Luke 22:39-46
39And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. 40When He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." 41And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, 42saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." 43Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. 45When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, 46and said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation."
Three great passages that give us encouragement. When Jesus is faced with the sins of the whole world He gives it to God three times in one night. Maybe we can learn from this example and give our troubles to God.
Today is day 15 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Matthew, Mark and Luke
Matthew 26:36-44
36Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." 39And 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." 40And 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."42He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done."43Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.
Mark 14:32-42
32 They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here until I have prayed." 33And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. 34And He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch." 35And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. 36And He was saying, "Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will." 37And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38"Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." 39Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41And He came the third time, and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42"Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!"
Luke 22:39-46
39And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. 40When He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." 41And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, 42saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." 43Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. 45When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, 46and said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation."
Three great passages that give us encouragement. When Jesus is faced with the sins of the whole world He gives it to God three times in one night. Maybe we can learn from this example and give our troubles to God.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
40 Days...Day 14
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 14 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Matthew, Mark and Luke
Matthew 26:26-27
26While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."27And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you;
Mark 14:22f
22While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is My body."
Luke 22:17-18f
17And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, "Take this and share it among yourselves; 18for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes."
Jesus gives us such a great example of prayer during our everyday lives. Enjoy this weekend, but don’t forget to pray and give all the glory to God.
Today is day 14 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is found in Matthew, Mark and Luke
Matthew 26:26-27
26While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."27And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you;
Mark 14:22f
22While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is My body."
Luke 22:17-18f
17And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, "Take this and share it among yourselves; 18for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes."
Jesus gives us such a great example of prayer during our everyday lives. Enjoy this weekend, but don’t forget to pray and give all the glory to God.
Friday, May 29, 2009
40 Days...Day 13
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 13 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is Matt 24:20 and Mark 13:18
Matthew 21:18-22
20"But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.
Mark 13:1818"But pray that it may not happen in the winter.
Too many times we only go to God during the hard times. I am guilty of this, it seems that when things are going good we forget it is God giving us the good times. When things go bad we want to blame God for what is happening.
God wants us to pray to Him when things are going bad, I just think He would like to hear from us during the good times also.
Today is day 13 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text is Matt 24:20 and Mark 13:18
Matthew 21:18-22
20"But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.
Mark 13:1818"But pray that it may not happen in the winter.
Too many times we only go to God during the hard times. I am guilty of this, it seems that when things are going good we forget it is God giving us the good times. When things go bad we want to blame God for what is happening.
God wants us to pray to Him when things are going bad, I just think He would like to hear from us during the good times also.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
40 Days...Day 12
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 12 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text can be found in both Matthew and Mark.
Matthew 21:18-22
18Now in the morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry.
19Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, "No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you." And at once the fig tree withered.
20Seeing this, the disciples were amazed and asked, "How did the fig tree wither all at once?" 21And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. 22"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Mark 11:24-25
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. 25"Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.
Have faith and be forgiving. These two thoughts from Jesus alone could change a persons life completely. As you spend time today in prayer with God, don’t forget to ask believing, have faith, and forgive others as you would like God to forgive you.
Today is day 12 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text can be found in both Matthew and Mark.
Matthew 21:18-22
18Now in the morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry.
19Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, "No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you." And at once the fig tree withered.
20Seeing this, the disciples were amazed and asked, "How did the fig tree wither all at once?" 21And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. 22"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Mark 11:24-25
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. 25"Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.
Have faith and be forgiving. These two thoughts from Jesus alone could change a persons life completely. As you spend time today in prayer with God, don’t forget to ask believing, have faith, and forgive others as you would like God to forgive you.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
40 Days...Day 11
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 11 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text can be found in both Matthew and Mark.
Matthew 21:12-13
12And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. 13And He said to them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER'; but you are making it a ROBBERS' DEN."
Mark 11:17
17And He began to teach and say to them, "Is it not written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS'? But you have made it a ROBBERS' DEN."
I really like studying this story and looking at this side of Jesus’ personality. On one side you see Him driving out those who were buying and selling in the temple. However, His anger is completely gone as He turns and begins to teach those who remained, and it says He healed the blind and the lame who came to Him.
We all get angry, but too many times we release that anger on the wrong person(s), or we let our anger stay with us all day and take it out on our family at home. The next time your angry, make sure you don’t release that anger on the innocent. Stop and pray to God and He will help you to calm down before you hurt someone you love.
Today is day 11 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s text can be found in both Matthew and Mark.
Matthew 21:12-13
12And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. 13And He said to them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER'; but you are making it a ROBBERS' DEN."
Mark 11:17
17And He began to teach and say to them, "Is it not written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS'? But you have made it a ROBBERS' DEN."
I really like studying this story and looking at this side of Jesus’ personality. On one side you see Him driving out those who were buying and selling in the temple. However, His anger is completely gone as He turns and begins to teach those who remained, and it says He healed the blind and the lame who came to Him.
We all get angry, but too many times we release that anger on the wrong person(s), or we let our anger stay with us all day and take it out on our family at home. The next time your angry, make sure you don’t release that anger on the innocent. Stop and pray to God and He will help you to calm down before you hurt someone you love.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
40 Days...Day 10
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 10 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. We are 25% complete on our trip. How are you doing? Have you been able to keep it up? My prayer in updating this blog everyday is that it will provide some level of encouragement to everyone.
Today's passage:
Matthew 19:13
13Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
As a parent you always want something better for your kids than for yourself. I can imagine these parents being so happy to see Jesus praying over their kids, then being so disappointed when the disciples tried to send them away. Only to be overjoyed as Jesus took these kids and continued to pray over them.
That is what God wants for each of us also. All we have to do is to walk over to Jesus and let Him place His hands on us and pray for us. Simply trust Him, He is always faithful.
Today is day 10 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. We are 25% complete on our trip. How are you doing? Have you been able to keep it up? My prayer in updating this blog everyday is that it will provide some level of encouragement to everyone.
Today's passage:
Matthew 19:13
13Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
As a parent you always want something better for your kids than for yourself. I can imagine these parents being so happy to see Jesus praying over their kids, then being so disappointed when the disciples tried to send them away. Only to be overjoyed as Jesus took these kids and continued to pray over them.
That is what God wants for each of us also. All we have to do is to walk over to Jesus and let Him place His hands on us and pray for us. Simply trust Him, He is always faithful.
Monday, May 25, 2009
40 Days...Day 9
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 9 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. What a great passage we have today.
Matthew 18:19-20
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."
What an absolutely amazing passage. If only two of us agree on earth and we ask God, He will listen. How much greater is our plea when that number grows to 5 or 10 or even 20 or more? We have great power at our fingertips, but it takes honest open communication with our Father from our knees to reach it.
Today is day 9 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. What a great passage we have today.
Matthew 18:19-20
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."
What an absolutely amazing passage. If only two of us agree on earth and we ask God, He will listen. How much greater is our plea when that number grows to 5 or 10 or even 20 or more? We have great power at our fingertips, but it takes honest open communication with our Father from our knees to reach it.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
40 Days... Day 8
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 8 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today has been a very full day, but nothing like the day Jesus was having in this passage…
Matthew 14:13,23-2713Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.
23After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."
Mark 6:46
46After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray
When your day has been so full and all you really want to do is to just go to bed, or read, or just watch the game, what can help? The answer can be found in the example of Jesus. Read a little extra in this chapter and you will find out that Jesus had just found out about the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. This would be a lot for most of us to handle and still keep everything together. Then as Jesus is headed for some quite time He is followed by a very large crowd of people. Most of us would have just disappeared, but Jesus makes the decision to put His own pain and needs aside and take care of them by providing them with food. Then He sends His disciples on ahead in the boat before personally dismissing the crowd. I can imagine this was not a simple “get out” but a much more personal farewell. At this point I would think any one of us would be just too tired to go on, instead Jesus goes to the mountain to spend some time with God the Father. What an awesome example. Tonight spend some time with God and see if He can take some of the burden off you and lift your load?
By the way, Jesus’ day did not end with His time with God on the mountain. He then went walking across the lake and spent some quality time with Peter…but that in another story.
Today is day 8 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today has been a very full day, but nothing like the day Jesus was having in this passage…
Matthew 14:13,23-2713Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.
23After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."
Mark 6:46
46After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray
When your day has been so full and all you really want to do is to just go to bed, or read, or just watch the game, what can help? The answer can be found in the example of Jesus. Read a little extra in this chapter and you will find out that Jesus had just found out about the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. This would be a lot for most of us to handle and still keep everything together. Then as Jesus is headed for some quite time He is followed by a very large crowd of people. Most of us would have just disappeared, but Jesus makes the decision to put His own pain and needs aside and take care of them by providing them with food. Then He sends His disciples on ahead in the boat before personally dismissing the crowd. I can imagine this was not a simple “get out” but a much more personal farewell. At this point I would think any one of us would be just too tired to go on, instead Jesus goes to the mountain to spend some time with God the Father. What an awesome example. Tonight spend some time with God and see if He can take some of the burden off you and lift your load?
By the way, Jesus’ day did not end with His time with God on the mountain. He then went walking across the lake and spent some quality time with Peter…but that in another story.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
40 Days...Day 7
Good Afternoon Church,
Today is day 7 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s reading appears in two places in our Bibles Matthew 11:25-26 and in Luke 10:21
Matthew 11:25-26
25At that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. 26"Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.
Luke 10:21
21At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight..
Sometimes to me it does not feel very comfortable opening prayers with praises to God. What I mean is, God knows who He is, how can I really do justice trying to praise Him. Then to stop and think, what kind of relationship did Jesus have with God? How much more understanding of Gods awe Jesus must have, and yet Jesus would always spend some time praising God. What a truly great example Jesus is to us, and how much more should we want to praise our awesome God.
God bless you,
Today is day 7 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s reading appears in two places in our Bibles Matthew 11:25-26 and in Luke 10:21
Matthew 11:25-26
25At that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. 26"Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.
Luke 10:21
21At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight..
Sometimes to me it does not feel very comfortable opening prayers with praises to God. What I mean is, God knows who He is, how can I really do justice trying to praise Him. Then to stop and think, what kind of relationship did Jesus have with God? How much more understanding of Gods awe Jesus must have, and yet Jesus would always spend some time praising God. What a truly great example Jesus is to us, and how much more should we want to praise our awesome God.
God bless you,
Friday, May 22, 2009
40 Days...Day 6
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 6 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s reading appears in two places in our Bibles Matthew 9:37-38 and in Luke 10:2
Matthew 9:37-3837Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38"Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."
Luke 10:2
2And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
Today, make your prayer that God will transform each one of us into a “laborer” for Him. He is truly the Lord of the harvest and He is faithful to transform us if we will beseech Him in prayer.
God bless you,
Today is day 6 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s reading appears in two places in our Bibles Matthew 9:37-38 and in Luke 10:2
Matthew 9:37-3837Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38"Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."
Luke 10:2
2And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
Today, make your prayer that God will transform each one of us into a “laborer” for Him. He is truly the Lord of the harvest and He is faithful to transform us if we will beseech Him in prayer.
God bless you,
Thursday, May 21, 2009
40 Days...Day 5
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 5 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s reading is from Matthew 7. This passage holds special meaning to me as a parent because I can relate to it. I would not give my own children something that would hurt them and it gives me such confidence that God, who knows all, will give us such gifts that it will amaze us.
Matthew 7:7-12
7"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
9"Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?
10"Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?
11"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
12"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
I truly believe that God will reward those who seek Him and pour their lives into Him. When you pray today ask God to give you knowledge to do His will, and the vision to see needs in our community. These doors will open, then it is up to us to have the courage to step in and fill that need.
God bless you on your journey today.
Today is day 5 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s reading is from Matthew 7. This passage holds special meaning to me as a parent because I can relate to it. I would not give my own children something that would hurt them and it gives me such confidence that God, who knows all, will give us such gifts that it will amaze us.
Matthew 7:7-12
7"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
9"Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?
10"Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?
11"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
12"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
I truly believe that God will reward those who seek Him and pour their lives into Him. When you pray today ask God to give you knowledge to do His will, and the vision to see needs in our community. These doors will open, then it is up to us to have the courage to step in and fill that need.
God bless you on your journey today.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Day 4 of 40
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 4 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s reading is from Matthew 6. Yesterday we looked at how to and not to pray, today we look at the “model prayer”. This passage is called the Lord’s prayer because it starts with Jesus speaking to His disciples.
Matthew 6:9-159"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.]'
14"For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15"But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
What a beautiful, simple prayer and what a great example for us to follow. Keep these thought from Jesus in your mind today as you are spending some time with God.
Amen.
Today is day 4 on our 40 day journey to bring ourselves closer to God. Today’s reading is from Matthew 6. Yesterday we looked at how to and not to pray, today we look at the “model prayer”. This passage is called the Lord’s prayer because it starts with Jesus speaking to His disciples.
Matthew 6:9-159"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.]'
14"For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15"But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
What a beautiful, simple prayer and what a great example for us to follow. Keep these thought from Jesus in your mind today as you are spending some time with God.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Found a great article on fasting that I thought I would share with you all...
http://www.inplainsite.org/html/fasting.html
I really liked the parts past "What Biblical Fasting Is"
Love you guys! Keep praying!
RK
http://www.inplainsite.org/html/fasting.html
I really liked the parts past "What Biblical Fasting Is"
Love you guys! Keep praying!
RK
40 Days...Day 3
Good Morning Church,
Today is day 3 of our 40 Days of Prayer with Jesus. I hope you have been keeping up with your prayers every day. If not, then let me encourage you to start today. You can catch up with us by reviewing the following:
Day 1- “The Messiah’s Prayer life Predicted” Psalms 2:7-9
and
Day 2- Jesus’ Teaching On Prayer for Enemies Matthew 5:43-44
Day 3:
Matthew 6:5-8 (NAS)5"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8"So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
What an awesome statement “our Father knows what we need before we ask Him”.
Please spend a few minutes today and reflect and meditate on this passage, then spend some quality time in prayer with our Heavenly Father.
Today is day 3 of our 40 Days of Prayer with Jesus. I hope you have been keeping up with your prayers every day. If not, then let me encourage you to start today. You can catch up with us by reviewing the following:
Day 1- “The Messiah’s Prayer life Predicted” Psalms 2:7-9
and
Day 2- Jesus’ Teaching On Prayer for Enemies Matthew 5:43-44
Day 3:
Matthew 6:5-8 (NAS)5"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8"So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
What an awesome statement “our Father knows what we need before we ask Him”.
Please spend a few minutes today and reflect and meditate on this passage, then spend some quality time in prayer with our Heavenly Father.
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