If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him.
As we pray we must consider that we are children talking to our Father - and Father know best. If we pray for good things unselfishly, God will provide things that are often better than we'd imagined originally. And, as Luke 11:13 suggests, what could be better than the Holy Spirit? We see this truth again in James 5:16 when the apostle reminds us that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." God's "much" is far greater than what you could ask of Him. And, what could be greater than being filled with the Holy Spirit? I believe using that Holy Spirit power to bring lost souls to Christ would be greater. Keep praying for a life-changing revival and we will reap the harvest God has before us. Pastor John
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Mark 11:17
....is it not written, my house shall be called of all nations THE HOUSE OF PRAYER?.....
Jesus was driving the moneychangers from the Temple when he asked this question. The religious leaders were using the Temple as a place for corrupt personal gain - stealing from the devout. Jesus referenced Isaiah 56:7 as he overturned the tables: "for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." The church is to be foremost a house of prayer. Prayer should be first on every church agenda. It is through prayer that we make the biggest difference in the world. It is through prayer that we see healings, salvations and revivals. It is through prayer that God moves, changing the spiritual climate of our communities. For us to really be a life-giving church, we must first be that house of prayer. Each member of the Body should pray faithfully every day. When we do this, we will see new life springing up not only in the church, but in the world around us. Pastor John
Jesus was driving the moneychangers from the Temple when he asked this question. The religious leaders were using the Temple as a place for corrupt personal gain - stealing from the devout. Jesus referenced Isaiah 56:7 as he overturned the tables: "for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." The church is to be foremost a house of prayer. Prayer should be first on every church agenda. It is through prayer that we make the biggest difference in the world. It is through prayer that we see healings, salvations and revivals. It is through prayer that God moves, changing the spiritual climate of our communities. For us to really be a life-giving church, we must first be that house of prayer. Each member of the Body should pray faithfully every day. When we do this, we will see new life springing up not only in the church, but in the world around us. Pastor John
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering: (for He is faithful that promised).
The added parenthetical note in this verse is the reason prayer is so powerful and reassuring. Perhaps we could rephrase this scripture this way: Because the God who promised is faithful, we can hold fast to the profession of our faith. We can be unmovable as a result of our prayers and trust in the Lord. He has never lied. He has never gone back on His word. He has never failed us. He has answsered our prayers and provides for us beyond our expectations. Our own faithfulness and promises cannot compare to the ever-abiding faithfulness of our God. During these 40 days of prayer and fasting be mindful that 40 days do not compare to the lifetime of blessings and eternal hope we have in Jesus. Let us not waver as we pray for revival and God's favor in all that we do to glorify Him.
Pastor John
The added parenthetical note in this verse is the reason prayer is so powerful and reassuring. Perhaps we could rephrase this scripture this way: Because the God who promised is faithful, we can hold fast to the profession of our faith. We can be unmovable as a result of our prayers and trust in the Lord. He has never lied. He has never gone back on His word. He has never failed us. He has answsered our prayers and provides for us beyond our expectations. Our own faithfulness and promises cannot compare to the ever-abiding faithfulness of our God. During these 40 days of prayer and fasting be mindful that 40 days do not compare to the lifetime of blessings and eternal hope we have in Jesus. Let us not waver as we pray for revival and God's favor in all that we do to glorify Him.
Pastor John
1 Corinthians15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Have you ever noticed that most of Jesus' parables deal with work (labor)? The parable of the sower. The faithful servant with his talents. The parable of the builders. The story of the wheat and the tares. It's evident that Jesus loves the faithful who are diligent in their work. In Proverbs 10:16 Solomon says, "The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin." God honors hard work, especially hard work done for His kingdom. Let us be thankful for jobs, careers, and the means to provide for those whom we love, for these things are blessings from God. If you need employment keep the faith and that faith will be rewarded. When we are faithful in all that we do, we are a blessing to God. Pastor John
Have you ever noticed that most of Jesus' parables deal with work (labor)? The parable of the sower. The faithful servant with his talents. The parable of the builders. The story of the wheat and the tares. It's evident that Jesus loves the faithful who are diligent in their work. In Proverbs 10:16 Solomon says, "The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin." God honors hard work, especially hard work done for His kingdom. Let us be thankful for jobs, careers, and the means to provide for those whom we love, for these things are blessings from God. If you need employment keep the faith and that faith will be rewarded. When we are faithful in all that we do, we are a blessing to God. Pastor John
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)