Lean Into Scripture | Let Us Pray | Part 2

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” - Romans 12:12

In our last discussion, we learned that prayer is indispensable to the Christian life. So much so, that without it there is no reliable way to communicate with God (Jeremiah 29:12).

We also touched on how prayer is more than simply submitting our supplications (or asking for something in a humble manner) to Him. Certainly there's nothing wrong with that, but it shouldn't be the only intent of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1).

There are many ways in which to examine prayer, but perhaps the best use of our time and space is to focus on the design or purpose of prayer; and consider how Jesus used it during his earthly stay (Luke 5:16).

If you follow Jesus in scripture, you'll find that he prayed a lot. For instance, He not only prayed for himself, but he prayed for others; and to have intimate talks with God, the Father (Luke 6:12).

An excellent place to see Jesus' prayer life in action is John 17. And while using prayer to intercede for others is very good, it's also an exceptional means of bolstering our relationship with God (Isaiah 41:10).

As we seek out ways to connect with one another, it only makes sense to do the same with God. There is no better medium for doing this than by prayer. Abraham, Hannah, Jeremiah, and Paul, and others, also prayed regularly in the Bible.

In the end, the principal purpose of prayer is this: worship. When we pray to Jesus, acknowledging who He is, and all He has done for us, we are performing an act of worship (2 Kings 19:15; Psalm 86:12-3; John 12: 28). 

Therefore, our prayer should demonstrate worship; and all of our focus should be placed on who God is, and not ourselves. An excellent model for prayer is the one given to the disciples by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13 (the Lord's Prayer).

 

It was mentioned earlier that prayer is a fundamental element of any Christian's life. None of us is born with a complete and mature prayer life; it must slowly be grown and developed over time (Ephesians 6:18).

There are some significant aspects of prayer that must be indicated here. Prayer not only has an impact on our lives, but on that of others, as well. It also provides a means of communication with, and personal growth in, God.

Lastly, as daily nourishment is essential for life, the Christian should put into practice a regular diet of prayer. Heartfelt worship/prayer provides the sustenance that unlocks and invigorates our communion with God.

Scripture: Psalm 116:1-2; Psalm 145:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 18:1; Matthew 6:7; 

Prayer: "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.”  - Psalm 103:1

In His glorious name, 

Sophie

Weekend Message: Lisa Harper: Does God Really Love Me? | JESUS: Devotional | Women of Faith on TBN

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's my pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

This week, Lisa Harper sits down with Sheila Walsh to have a candid conversation about how much God really loves us and why there is suffering in this world. 

Join in as they explore the transformative power of faith and God's love in overcoming life's challenges.

© Women of Faith on TBN

Find a nice, comfortable place to watch and listen to this encouraging, enlightening, and entertaining full-length presentation by these two extraordinary Christian teachers! 

Enjoy!

~Eve

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

"If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer – His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable."   - John Newton (1725-1807)

We know that in this earthly life there is no such thing as a trouble-free existence. Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, reminds us that, "Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)

Far too many turn to, or look for, various kinds of comfort in which to ease their distress or anxiousness. This, may, in turn, cause other "troubles" which only add to those they were trying to evade.

The Last Supper is set forth in John 13, offering us marvelous account of Jesus' humility, love, and knowledge of impending events. However, he is ever aware of his ministerial responsibilities and the short time left to complete them.

It is at this point that I'd like to direct your attention to the "troubles" that weighed heavy on the mind of Jesus. "What?" you say. "Jesus had troubles?" Yes! We learn of them at the outset of John 14. 

Here, our attention is drawn to Jesus' rapidly approaching appointment with suffering and death. Yet, He was also "troubled" about the confusion and sorrow his disciples grappled with at the possibility of his departure. (Mark 10:32)

Jesus thoughtfully considers his disciples' despair. And here in this chapter is his final unbroken and unrushed conversation with them. During this dialogue, they are given a reassuring revelation which perfectly serves our purpose today.

Up to this point, Jesus' earlier sayings were vague and indefinite. Now, because of his looming departure all was brought into a razor-sharp focus. Thus, He calms the "troubled" thoughts that He discerns in the souls of the disciples.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me."  With this opening verse Jesus clearly and powerfully sets the tone of this chapter, that is, "Trust in God, and trust in Me!" (John 14:1)

This is neither a demand nor a command, but rather a gracious invitation to do what it is life and a blessing to do. The trust in Christ of which we speak of is the secret of a quiet heart. 

It isn't enough to simply say, “Do not let your hearts be troubled," unless you continue on and finish with "You believe in God; believe also in me." Without "trust" our troubles will never be relieved.

When we "trust" in Him we find tranquility. While casting our troubles off onto someone else's shoulders may provide a temporary respite, "trust" in Jesus Christ brings forth a rest that is both, righteous and limitless. (John 12:44-47)

Scripture: Psalm 62:8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 4:6

Prayer: "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,"  - Nahum 1:7

Have a blessed weekend,

Colleen

Video Lesson: Listening to God Instead of Identity Groups - Beth Moore

What should you do when you feel the Holy Spirit’s nudging to step away from your entanglement with a certain group of people or organization?

Our culture is so full of identity groups: Whether faith-based, political, school, hobby, career…the list goes on. But sometimes we can get too entangled in these groups and passions, and we cease listening to God.

©Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Beth Moore teaches on stepping back when you feel the prompting of the Spirit so you can hear His voice, which is the most important of all.

Enjoy!

~Eve

Lean Into Scripture | Let Us Pray | Part 1

“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer” - Psalm 17:6

One of the basic fundamentals of Christian faith is prayer, yet many find it confusing to understand. Some of this unsureness about prayer and praying may be attributed to a number of different reasons.

Common contributors to prayer doubt can be: an overabundance of written material about the subject, bad habits acquired over the years, media misinformation, and just plain old bad advice. 

Hopefully, I can provide some clarity, assurance, and encouragement to your prayers. That being said, no discussion about prayer can begin without stressing the importance of it in our daily lives. 

Think of it as a direct link to God, and vice versa. Through prayer we can: communicate with Him, praise Him, and strengthen our relationship with him. We are never alone with God. Day or night, He is always there. (Matthew 28:20)

However, I need to explain some things that prayer is not. It definitely is not: negotiating or haggling with God; asking for something in a forceful manner; using God only when needing something; or as a means of "posing" before others. (Matthew 6:7)

I could go on, but I think you get the idea. God isn't a genie in a bottle to be used at our whim, nor is he a powerless God that can be manipulated through prayer. Sadly, this is exactly the view that too many have of God and prayer. (James 4:3)

The late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once quoted, "Although prayer is native to man, there is the danger that he will misuse it. Although it is a natural outpouring of his spirit, there is the danger that he will use it in an unnatural way."

What then..? Is there a magic formula to prayer? Is there some secret to prayer? We sometimes have a tendency to make things far more complex and complicated than they need to be. 

When we resume this discussion next time, we'll pick-up what we started here, and also examine some other aspects of prayer that, God willing, will broaden, enlighten, and strengthen your daily prayer life.

Scripture: Psalm 69:30; Psalm 150:6; James 5:13; Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 5:13

Prayer: "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”  - Isaiah 12:2

In His glorious name, 

Sophie

Weekend Message: Visibility Zero | Billy Graham Classic Sermon (1988)

 Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's my pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

In over 55 years of ministry, Billy Graham preached the Gospel message to more than 215 million people in over 185 countries around the world.  - Source: The Billy Graham Library

Here, we proudly present a teaching by Dr. Graham in 1988 while visiting Ontario, Canada. Rev. Graham uses Mark 10:46-52 (Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus) as the starting point of his message.

© Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

 

Wind down from a busy week; sit back, and give yourself a spiritual boost with Billy Graham! There's no better time than the present to watch this classic video segment from one of the most respected preachers of the 20th century. 

Have a blessed weekend!

~Eve

The True Light of the World

"The real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."  - Plato

The Bible is very clear that Jesus Christ is the the light of life, and the one and only great, true light, (Matthew 4:12-16; John 1:9, 4; Isaiah 9:1-5 ). The apostle John recounted that John the Baptist himself was only a witness, while Jesus was the true light (John 1:6-9).

What is the true light? When we think of light, we might think of things such as: warmth, comfort, clarity, and being unafraid. After all, who among us doesn't feel more secure walking around in the light than in darkness?

Furthermore, there are certain things that are critical to our existence. Including light, we require air to breathe, food to eat, and water to drink, among others. However, of all these, one is most important to life itself.

The essential resource of which I am referring to is Jesus Christ. He is the true light and the spiritual air that we breathe. As without the light from the sun there would be no life here on earth. Without His light, we are spiritually dead (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Jesus Christ "is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being." From him bursts forth several things, including: the light, truth, and enlightenment of God into the hearts of all of us. Jesus even proclaimed this of himself in John 8:12 and John 9:5.

By declaring that Jesus Christ is the true light, the apostle John was also undeniably proclaiming that Jesus Christ was the utmost, incomparable, true revelation of God to all men. 

Thus, here was irrefutable evidence that the Word of God became human. And that Jesus Christ is the light of the world, sent here to to penetrate the darkness. By way of his ministry, message, and life, Jesus spread the light and being of God to everyone he met. (1 John 1:5; Psalm 27:1).

Scripture: Psalm 18:28; Isaiah 60:1; John 12:36; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:5

Prayer: Dear Lord, the unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Amen.  - Psalm 119:130-132

With you in Jesus Christ,

Kacey