8 months ago
Monday, March 30, 2009
This Sunday
For those of you who missed Sunday and have heard the word on the street, "you missed a great service" or you just want to see it again, check out the last skit, which Amy has uploaded to her blog!!!! Click HERE.
After the Revival 03-22-09
I am so excited to see what God is going to do with the revival. So many have prayed and fasted. Sacrifices have been made in an attempt to hear from God. We have had 21 days of large numbers of us praying for the same thing. I truly believe God is going to bless our efforts.
When the Wednesday night service is over and souls have been saved, lives have been changed and we have drawn closer to God. What is the next step in our walk with God?
What theme is common in the following two verses?
2 Peter 3:18: 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
1 Peter 2:2: 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
We see that we are to grow as believers. We are to become more and more like Christ.
What a perfect example to crave or desire God’s word as a newborn baby needs milk. We all desperately need to get to this point.
I want to challenge us not just to read the bible to find out what it teaches, but I want us to study it so we may better know the one who wrote it. My prayer is that we would intimately know God and how much he loves us.
In Hebrews 12:2 it tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus.
Let’s look at the following verses and see what we see:
1 Timothy 1:17: 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 19:1: 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Isaiah 43:7: 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Revelation 14:6-7: 6Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
These verses make it very clear that we are to bring and give God glory.
Even salvation ties in with bringing God glory. Look at Romans 1:5: 5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
We see here it is For His Name Sake.
I thought we were saved so we wouldn’t go to hell and that is true.
I thought we were saved so we could be forgiven of our sins and that is true.
I thought we were saved so we could spend eternity with God and that is true.
But the main reason we are saved is because our salvation brings Glory to God.
Why is that true? When we share with others who Christ is and how much he loves us God is being glorified. When we tell them how much we need his forgiveness, God is being glorified. When one is saved they become a new person and they are changed and God is glorified.
Look at 3 John verses 6 and 7: 6They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.
Why did they go out and share with others? For the Sake of the Name! We must never forget that it is all about God!
We started the lesson talking about how we all need to grow spiritually, to become more like Christ and now we have looked at how we are to be bringing God glory. Let’s look at how these two ties together.
2 Corinthians 3:18: 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Do we remember when Moses came down from the mountain from being with God? What did the bible say about his face? That it shined with the glory of God. Earlier in this chapter it said that Moses wore a veil over his face because the people could not directly look at the glory of God.
The verse that we just read said that we do not wear a veil and that we are to reflect God’s glory. God’s glory is to shine from us. We are to live in a manner that brings God glory. But then look what it says will happen: We will be transformed into Christ likeness. We will grow spiritually. We will become more like Christ.
So if we want to grow spiritually or be more like Christ we need to bring glory to God in everything we do.
Some might ask: Bring God glory in everything? Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 10:31: 31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Let’s look at an example Jesus gave us for bringing God glory right before he was to go to the cross.
John 12:27-28: 27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name!"
We see here that at times in order to bring God glory we must put God’s will before ours. Christ was willing to give his life.
I believe if we are to live in God’s will it all starts with having faith and trust in God. Our faith will always Glorify God, especially when we are going through hard times. Our faith can shine bright and lift up God in a mighty way.
I love how Daniel expressed his faith as he stood before the King Nebuchadnezzar who threatens to throw him into the fiery furnace if he did not worship his golden image.
Daniel 3:17-18: 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
I really love David’s response. We must realize this faith is displayed as he stands at the mouth of the fiery furnace. Wow!
One thing that we need to clearly understand is that the more I know about God and his character the more I will trust in him and place my faith in him.
How do we learn more about him? Read our Bible.
As we read the bible we will see God at work. We will see how much he loves us. We will see his compassion and mercy. We will see that he is faithful.
Let’s look at John 15:8 and see what else we see about bringing God glory: 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
As we bear fruit we bring glory to God.
Matthew 5:16 says: 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
In Galatians 5 it tells us the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. These attributes are opposite from the world and as these fruits are displayed God definitely receives the glory.
Let’s see what we learn in Psalm 86:9-12: 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
Is there any surprise that as we worship and praise God that we bring him glory? When we come to God’s house let’s make our praise genuine. Let’s worship him for who he is.
Let’s look at John 14:13: 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Have we ever thought that Jesus answers our prayers so that God will receive the glory? God answers prayers every day. Do we do our part to insure that God is seen when our prayers are answered. Remember God is at work all around us.
Let’s look at Romans 15:5-6: 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The bible stresses the importance of the unity of believers. There is so much that can be accomplished through God when the body is unitied.
What will destroy unity? Pride.
What is the opposite of Pride? Humility.
Humility is a great place to start if one desires unity. I believe humility produces love and I believe love produces unity.
Let’s look at 2 Thessalonians 3:1: 1Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.
Finally we see that we bring honor or glory to God by proclaiming his word so others will come to know him.
Today we tried to show if we desire to grow spiritually that we must be focused in bringing God glory in everything we do. Everything we do! We have also tried to look at the specific actions which bring God glory, I want to challenge us to look at our lives and see where we might need to change.
I want to end with a final verse. Let’s look at the instruction Jesus gave Peter. John 21:18-19: 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Did we hear that? Jesus said “Follow me!”
When the Wednesday night service is over and souls have been saved, lives have been changed and we have drawn closer to God. What is the next step in our walk with God?
What theme is common in the following two verses?
2 Peter 3:18: 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
1 Peter 2:2: 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
We see that we are to grow as believers. We are to become more and more like Christ.
What a perfect example to crave or desire God’s word as a newborn baby needs milk. We all desperately need to get to this point.
I want to challenge us not just to read the bible to find out what it teaches, but I want us to study it so we may better know the one who wrote it. My prayer is that we would intimately know God and how much he loves us.
In Hebrews 12:2 it tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus.
Let’s look at the following verses and see what we see:
1 Timothy 1:17: 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 19:1: 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Isaiah 43:7: 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Revelation 14:6-7: 6Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
These verses make it very clear that we are to bring and give God glory.
Even salvation ties in with bringing God glory. Look at Romans 1:5: 5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
We see here it is For His Name Sake.
I thought we were saved so we wouldn’t go to hell and that is true.
I thought we were saved so we could be forgiven of our sins and that is true.
I thought we were saved so we could spend eternity with God and that is true.
But the main reason we are saved is because our salvation brings Glory to God.
Why is that true? When we share with others who Christ is and how much he loves us God is being glorified. When we tell them how much we need his forgiveness, God is being glorified. When one is saved they become a new person and they are changed and God is glorified.
Look at 3 John verses 6 and 7: 6They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.
Why did they go out and share with others? For the Sake of the Name! We must never forget that it is all about God!
We started the lesson talking about how we all need to grow spiritually, to become more like Christ and now we have looked at how we are to be bringing God glory. Let’s look at how these two ties together.
2 Corinthians 3:18: 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Do we remember when Moses came down from the mountain from being with God? What did the bible say about his face? That it shined with the glory of God. Earlier in this chapter it said that Moses wore a veil over his face because the people could not directly look at the glory of God.
The verse that we just read said that we do not wear a veil and that we are to reflect God’s glory. God’s glory is to shine from us. We are to live in a manner that brings God glory. But then look what it says will happen: We will be transformed into Christ likeness. We will grow spiritually. We will become more like Christ.
So if we want to grow spiritually or be more like Christ we need to bring glory to God in everything we do.
Some might ask: Bring God glory in everything? Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 10:31: 31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Let’s look at an example Jesus gave us for bringing God glory right before he was to go to the cross.
John 12:27-28: 27"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name!"
We see here that at times in order to bring God glory we must put God’s will before ours. Christ was willing to give his life.
I believe if we are to live in God’s will it all starts with having faith and trust in God. Our faith will always Glorify God, especially when we are going through hard times. Our faith can shine bright and lift up God in a mighty way.
I love how Daniel expressed his faith as he stood before the King Nebuchadnezzar who threatens to throw him into the fiery furnace if he did not worship his golden image.
Daniel 3:17-18: 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
I really love David’s response. We must realize this faith is displayed as he stands at the mouth of the fiery furnace. Wow!
One thing that we need to clearly understand is that the more I know about God and his character the more I will trust in him and place my faith in him.
How do we learn more about him? Read our Bible.
As we read the bible we will see God at work. We will see how much he loves us. We will see his compassion and mercy. We will see that he is faithful.
Let’s look at John 15:8 and see what else we see about bringing God glory: 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
As we bear fruit we bring glory to God.
Matthew 5:16 says: 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
In Galatians 5 it tells us the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. These attributes are opposite from the world and as these fruits are displayed God definitely receives the glory.
Let’s see what we learn in Psalm 86:9-12: 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
Is there any surprise that as we worship and praise God that we bring him glory? When we come to God’s house let’s make our praise genuine. Let’s worship him for who he is.
Let’s look at John 14:13: 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
Have we ever thought that Jesus answers our prayers so that God will receive the glory? God answers prayers every day. Do we do our part to insure that God is seen when our prayers are answered. Remember God is at work all around us.
Let’s look at Romans 15:5-6: 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The bible stresses the importance of the unity of believers. There is so much that can be accomplished through God when the body is unitied.
What will destroy unity? Pride.
What is the opposite of Pride? Humility.
Humility is a great place to start if one desires unity. I believe humility produces love and I believe love produces unity.
Let’s look at 2 Thessalonians 3:1: 1Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.
Finally we see that we bring honor or glory to God by proclaiming his word so others will come to know him.
Today we tried to show if we desire to grow spiritually that we must be focused in bringing God glory in everything we do. Everything we do! We have also tried to look at the specific actions which bring God glory, I want to challenge us to look at our lives and see where we might need to change.
I want to end with a final verse. Let’s look at the instruction Jesus gave Peter. John 21:18-19: 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Did we hear that? Jesus said “Follow me!”
Monday, March 9, 2009
Bring to Sunday Schoool
All, If anyone can bring saltine crackers for Blewer food or diapers for the pregnancy center this Sunday that would be great. Remember, respond with LOVE! Steve
Prayer Request from Cathie
If you would all remember to keep Ryan Woods in your prayers. Over the weekend I found out that he is doing ok, but isn't able to talk-I don't know the details of how much or little but was told that he will be going to speech therapy. Can you imagine loosing your speech? And this is a teenager. Also, he was/is an awesome baseball player that Josh has known and played against here and there for 7 years. To have a goal to play HS baseball all these years and some freak accident happens like this is heartbreaking, however, we have much more to be thankful for that it wasn't worse than it is.
Ryan reminds me of our friend Will Amick, the teenager who was accidentally shot last year and almost died. Hundreds of people rallied together in prayer and support for him and his family. It took several months of healing, but if you haven't heard, that young man is a miracle! He started playing golf several months ago and then picked up his bat and slowly but surely, got back into training and is now playing for Calhoun this year. I see him and he looks so good you would never know anything so life threatening happened just 14 months ago. *PRAISE GOD*
Then there is Hunter Knight, Jamie's nephew, who got hurt during a wrestling match. I don't know him real well, but he is always kind and respectful and he has great parents. He is a fabulous athlete and is now having to deal with this unexpected hurdle. Jamie, do you have an update on Hunter?
My Hannah hurt her knee in track practice. X-ray's didn't show anything and then sent to an orthopedic who thinks it could be a possible torn meniscus or a misplaced knee cap. She is scheduled to have an MRI for this Thursday. My Josh is hobbling on a swollen ankle from Friday's 1st game. Trainer said it was a slight sprang and told him to wrap it. It was sore and he was able to play the 2nd game and another on Saturday. Now his whole foot was puffy and sore.
Please keep these young men and woman in your prayers, especially Ryan and Hunter. It's already hard being a teenager!
Thank you so much for your time and your faithfulness to pray.
~Cathie
ps-Please don't forget to pray for SVBC Youth Group-We are traveling to Knoxville this Friday for a weekend of retreat and revival.
Original E-mail
Please pray for these two young men:
Ryan Woods- was hit just behind the temple with a baseball during high school practice. He is currently in the hospital for observation and shows some slight bleeding in/on the brain. I was told he can't speak. I don't know if that means the Dr's don't want him to, he can't because of tubes or he can't because of the accident. I don't know what HS he goes to but he plays for a travel-ball team out of Summerville.
Hunter Young- broke his pelvic bone during a wrestling match this past Saturday. This match win was qualifying for State and Hunter continued through it in pain and won. I was told he set a record for being the first Freshmen from Calhoun to go to State...he can't now. He is also a very good baseball player and will miss the first part of this season.
Please pray for all our children...physically, mentally, emotionally and most of all spiritually.
Thanks a bunch,
~C
Ryan reminds me of our friend Will Amick, the teenager who was accidentally shot last year and almost died. Hundreds of people rallied together in prayer and support for him and his family. It took several months of healing, but if you haven't heard, that young man is a miracle! He started playing golf several months ago and then picked up his bat and slowly but surely, got back into training and is now playing for Calhoun this year. I see him and he looks so good you would never know anything so life threatening happened just 14 months ago. *PRAISE GOD*
Then there is Hunter Knight, Jamie's nephew, who got hurt during a wrestling match. I don't know him real well, but he is always kind and respectful and he has great parents. He is a fabulous athlete and is now having to deal with this unexpected hurdle. Jamie, do you have an update on Hunter?
My Hannah hurt her knee in track practice. X-ray's didn't show anything and then sent to an orthopedic who thinks it could be a possible torn meniscus or a misplaced knee cap. She is scheduled to have an MRI for this Thursday. My Josh is hobbling on a swollen ankle from Friday's 1st game. Trainer said it was a slight sprang and told him to wrap it. It was sore and he was able to play the 2nd game and another on Saturday. Now his whole foot was puffy and sore.
Please keep these young men and woman in your prayers, especially Ryan and Hunter. It's already hard being a teenager!
Thank you so much for your time and your faithfulness to pray.
~Cathie
ps-Please don't forget to pray for SVBC Youth Group-We are traveling to Knoxville this Friday for a weekend of retreat and revival.
Original E-mail
Please pray for these two young men:
Ryan Woods- was hit just behind the temple with a baseball during high school practice. He is currently in the hospital for observation and shows some slight bleeding in/on the brain. I was told he can't speak. I don't know if that means the Dr's don't want him to, he can't because of tubes or he can't because of the accident. I don't know what HS he goes to but he plays for a travel-ball team out of Summerville.
Hunter Young- broke his pelvic bone during a wrestling match this past Saturday. This match win was qualifying for State and Hunter continued through it in pain and won. I was told he set a record for being the first Freshmen from Calhoun to go to State...he can't now. He is also a very good baseball player and will miss the first part of this season.
Please pray for all our children...physically, mentally, emotionally and most of all spiritually.
Thanks a bunch,
~C
James 5:7-12 7
All,
James 5:7-12 7
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
We can learn alot from the farmer. The farmer realizes there is different seasons. There is a time to plant and a time to harvest. Some seasons are harder than others. But the farmer knows it is just a season. The farmer knows God is in control. The farmer is patient and stands firm because he has faith and trust that God will provide all that is needed for the crops to grow. We too go through different seasons. Is there anything we can learn from the farmer?
Stay in your bible,
Steve
James 5:7-12 7
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
We can learn alot from the farmer. The farmer realizes there is different seasons. There is a time to plant and a time to harvest. Some seasons are harder than others. But the farmer knows it is just a season. The farmer knows God is in control. The farmer is patient and stands firm because he has faith and trust that God will provide all that is needed for the crops to grow. We too go through different seasons. Is there anything we can learn from the farmer?
Stay in your bible,
Steve
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Who Knew
Sunday School was awesome!!! The message was on prayer, Steve talked about it a little :), threw a basket of pens, members shared their hearts, it was fabulous!!! Mitch has also called for a month of prayer and fasting. We are truly being challenged to stop and pray. I heard the messages, I got the messages, but it wasn't until Monday when I got to work, that I really "got" the messages. Each November I make a calendar of pictures through one of our vendors. I always upload pictures of my baby girl. Imagine my awe when I flip the calendar to March and this is what I see......I'm thinking I'm suppose to be praying.
Who knew in November when I made my calendar that in March we would truly be challenged to pray.
HE KNEW........ Pray, Pray, Pray....
Who knew in November when I made my calendar that in March we would truly be challenged to pray.HE KNEW........ Pray, Pray, Pray....
Prayer Requests
This past Sunday was wonderful. God is awesome and his presence was truly felt during class. I want to let you know how much I greatly appreciate that so many shared with the class their thoughts, their burdens and how God is working in your lives. I think we all came away realizing how important it is that we be praying for each other. I think we all see that God is the answer.
Here is the list of items we discussed Sunday that we need to be praying about:
Here is the list of items we discussed Sunday that we need to be praying about:
- Continue to pray for Amanda Diskey's physical condition. Also remember Prentice's father is in the hospital and not doing very well.
- Pray for a job opportunity that will allow Chad Trundle to attend church on Sunday. It will be great to have him back with us.
- Pray for Jamie Williams' family.
- Pray for Audra and Corey Mills.
- Pray for Goldie and John Woody.
- Pray for Steve and Jane Rierson. Also remember my friend in Atlanta, Marty Rae.
If I left anything off please let me know and I apologize. Also, if anyone would like to add to this list please let me know that also. We have a great group and I want to thank you for allowing me to attend Sunday School with you. Now we need to get busy loving on each other and praying for each other. Praise God in All Things. Steve
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday School Lesson 2-22-09 Pray for Others
Our lesson title for today is Praying for Others. Every Sunday we take prayer request and almost every week we have someone who has a physical issue or someone that has lost a job or someone that is in need of direction and those are very worth while things to bring before God.
Listen to what Ephesians 6:12 tells us: 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
With this truth shouldn’t apart of our prayer focus be in this area? Today we are going to look at praying for others over spiritual issues. I hope we will see how through prayer we can have victory over the spiritual battles that will come our way. I strongly believe we should be praying for each other regularly.
Let’s look at John 17:6-8 and see how Jesus prayed for his disciples (remember these are the last hours with the disciples before Jesus will be taken off and crucified). Jesus said: 6"I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.
We see here that as Jesus starts to pray that he is praying for his disciples. He describes them as the ones given to him from God. Jesus also states that they have full knowledge of who Jesus is and why he came and that they truly know who God is. What else does he say about them in verse six? That they have obeyed your word.
The mark of a true Christian is always obedience!
Let’s continue on with John 17:9-12: 9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 12While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
In this we see that Jesus establishes that he will be leaving this world and he is very aware of the challenges that the disciples will face without him there. So he starts off “I pray for them, those you have given me”. In Hebrews 7:25 we see that Jesus intercedes for us as believers to God: 25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Next we see a wonderful truth and it says: All I have is yours, and all you have is mine.
So we clearly see as believers we belong to Jesus and therefore we belong to God also. What an awesome thought! Before reading this scripture has anyone ever thought that Jesus views us as believers as a gift from God? In chapter 17 it states several times that we were given to Jesus from God. I personally like the way that sounds.
Jesus also states the disciples had brought him glory, as should be our desire and we see Jesus praying that the disciples would continue to bring him glory even after he is gone. As we pray for each other we need to ask God to help us bring glory to him through our lives.
What truth do we learn in 2 Corinthians 4:6-7: 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Now let’s go back to John 17 to the end of verse 11 and see what Jesus requested in his prayer for the disciples and he said: Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.
What do we see? All throughout the New Testament the bible talks about believers being one or being united. We saw that this was one of the traits of the first church look at Acts 4:32: 32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
Why is this important?
God desires that we be united in love and in holiness in such a way that it separates us from the world. Our pursuit of holiness is a key to staying united. Have you thought about as individuals if we move closer to God we will come closer together as believers (Chair example in center of room).
John 17:13-16: 13"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
Here we see Jesus gives us the example of praying for joy in the midst of opposition. This joy is available to us as we stay focused on who it is we serve and just how much that he loves us. I think Romans 8:39 put it perfectly: 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What an awesome love that God has for us and what joy that brings me to realize that truth.
There is another very interesting point made in these verses and that is Jesus did not pray for God to take us out of this world, instead he prayed that we would be protected from the evil one. We also need to pray this for other believers. Has anybody thought about what if once we were saved God immediately took us to heaven to be with him? We would be better off in so many ways. We would be perfectly righteous, we would have perfect and pure motives, we would have perfect fellowship and we would lift up perfect praise and worship for God. So if that is true there must be a very good reason we are left here on earth. What do we believe that is? We are to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
As we realize that is our main purpose here on earth, we quickly see that we do not put the priority on this that we should. This is another area we need to ask God to help us.
Let’s look at John 17:17-19 and see what else we can learn from Jesus prayer: 17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Sanctify means to make holy or to set apart for special use. After we have accepted Jesus the way we continue to be holy or to be set apart for special use is through the truth. Where can we find this truth? God’s Word!
This is why it is so important that we be in God’s word daily and to study it. If we desire to be Holy or Sanctified or set apart for special use we must be in God’s word.
As we look at how Jesus prayed for the disciples we see several important issues that we need to be praying for other believers.
We need to ask God to help us to bring glory to him, we need his help in seeing what our main role is while we are here on earth, we need protection against the evil one, we need unity or unhindered fellowship with other believers, we desire to be filled with his joy and we desire to be made holy as we read God’s word.
Also we must remember Jesus expressed this love for his disciples just hours before he was to be crucified. His focus was on them and not on his own situation. Prayer does not need to be only about us as we see from Jesus example there is power in praying for others.
Listen to what Ephesians 6:12 tells us: 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
With this truth shouldn’t apart of our prayer focus be in this area? Today we are going to look at praying for others over spiritual issues. I hope we will see how through prayer we can have victory over the spiritual battles that will come our way. I strongly believe we should be praying for each other regularly.
Let’s look at John 17:6-8 and see how Jesus prayed for his disciples (remember these are the last hours with the disciples before Jesus will be taken off and crucified). Jesus said: 6"I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.
We see here that as Jesus starts to pray that he is praying for his disciples. He describes them as the ones given to him from God. Jesus also states that they have full knowledge of who Jesus is and why he came and that they truly know who God is. What else does he say about them in verse six? That they have obeyed your word.
The mark of a true Christian is always obedience!
Let’s continue on with John 17:9-12: 9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 12While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
In this we see that Jesus establishes that he will be leaving this world and he is very aware of the challenges that the disciples will face without him there. So he starts off “I pray for them, those you have given me”. In Hebrews 7:25 we see that Jesus intercedes for us as believers to God: 25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Next we see a wonderful truth and it says: All I have is yours, and all you have is mine.
So we clearly see as believers we belong to Jesus and therefore we belong to God also. What an awesome thought! Before reading this scripture has anyone ever thought that Jesus views us as believers as a gift from God? In chapter 17 it states several times that we were given to Jesus from God. I personally like the way that sounds.
Jesus also states the disciples had brought him glory, as should be our desire and we see Jesus praying that the disciples would continue to bring him glory even after he is gone. As we pray for each other we need to ask God to help us bring glory to him through our lives.
What truth do we learn in 2 Corinthians 4:6-7: 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Now let’s go back to John 17 to the end of verse 11 and see what Jesus requested in his prayer for the disciples and he said: Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.
What do we see? All throughout the New Testament the bible talks about believers being one or being united. We saw that this was one of the traits of the first church look at Acts 4:32: 32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
Why is this important?
God desires that we be united in love and in holiness in such a way that it separates us from the world. Our pursuit of holiness is a key to staying united. Have you thought about as individuals if we move closer to God we will come closer together as believers (Chair example in center of room).
John 17:13-16: 13"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
Here we see Jesus gives us the example of praying for joy in the midst of opposition. This joy is available to us as we stay focused on who it is we serve and just how much that he loves us. I think Romans 8:39 put it perfectly: 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What an awesome love that God has for us and what joy that brings me to realize that truth.
There is another very interesting point made in these verses and that is Jesus did not pray for God to take us out of this world, instead he prayed that we would be protected from the evil one. We also need to pray this for other believers. Has anybody thought about what if once we were saved God immediately took us to heaven to be with him? We would be better off in so many ways. We would be perfectly righteous, we would have perfect and pure motives, we would have perfect fellowship and we would lift up perfect praise and worship for God. So if that is true there must be a very good reason we are left here on earth. What do we believe that is? We are to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
As we realize that is our main purpose here on earth, we quickly see that we do not put the priority on this that we should. This is another area we need to ask God to help us.
Let’s look at John 17:17-19 and see what else we can learn from Jesus prayer: 17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Sanctify means to make holy or to set apart for special use. After we have accepted Jesus the way we continue to be holy or to be set apart for special use is through the truth. Where can we find this truth? God’s Word!
This is why it is so important that we be in God’s word daily and to study it. If we desire to be Holy or Sanctified or set apart for special use we must be in God’s word.
As we look at how Jesus prayed for the disciples we see several important issues that we need to be praying for other believers.
We need to ask God to help us to bring glory to him, we need his help in seeing what our main role is while we are here on earth, we need protection against the evil one, we need unity or unhindered fellowship with other believers, we desire to be filled with his joy and we desire to be made holy as we read God’s word.
Also we must remember Jesus expressed this love for his disciples just hours before he was to be crucified. His focus was on them and not on his own situation. Prayer does not need to be only about us as we see from Jesus example there is power in praying for others.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Pray Persistently - February 8 Lesson
This week we have another great lesson on the subject of prayer. I am so excited about this opportunity to study and learn about such an important topic. Last week we discussed how we can have confidence in our prayers because of the confidence we have in who God is. In today’s lesson we will see how this confidence in God will also bring about a persistent prayer life.
Before we go to our scriptures for the day let’s remember what James 1:22 says: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Matthew 15:21-28 (NIV): 21. Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession." 23. Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." 24. He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." 25. The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. (KJV 25. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.) 26. He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." 27. "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." 28. Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
What did Jesus say about the woman in verse 28? You have great faith! When I read that I want to fully understand why Jesus said she had great faith and not just faith. I desire Jesus to say that we all have great faith.
First thing you have to realize is that Jesus was leaving Galilee where he had been ministering for a long time. Jesus is leaving his country and traveling north to the coastal area of Tyre and Sidon which were port cities of the ancient Phoenicia. Jesus was traveling to a place where Gentiles lived and the area would have been filled with pagan religions. So as we look at this Canaanite woman we must remember her past experience in religion would have been pagan based. I believe when you consider her background you will understand why Jesus said her faith was great.
Let’s take a look at how the woman displayed her faith. I believe the first thing you see is she placed her faith in the right person or her faith was directed in the proper direction and that was toward Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 tells us: 12. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
The second thing you see is that she was repentant and repentance is always a part of faith. Look at what she said to Jesus in verse 22: Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!
When one cries for mercy what are they saying? I am pleading for mercy but I do not deserve anything. I am not in the position to demand anything.
In Psalm 51:1 I think David put it so perfectly: 1. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion.
As we get to verse 23 in chapter 15 of Matthew we see Jesus is going to put up a series of barriers for the woman. What are our thoughts at why Jesus took this approach? Jesus is testing her faith as he did throughout the bible with many others. With Abraham he promised a son, but Abraham had to wait many years for the promise to come true.
What do we learn about Abraham in Romans 4:20-21 (NIV): 20. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21. being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Because of the many barriers that were placed before the woman what characteristic did she have to display in order to have her request granted? Persistent
What can we learn from this as far as our prayer life? We all realize that God does not answer every prayer with an immediate “Yes”. God’s response is always what is best for us. What is very crucial is how we respond when the answer is not what we desired.
How did the woman respond to the barriers Jesus put before her? She did not give up nor did she respond with a negative attitude. Instead you see that she humbly approached Jesus as she knelt down and worshipped him.
How was she able to respond in such a correct manner and persistently pursue her need? I believe she fully understood what Paul said about Abraham in the verse we read earlier in Romans 4:21.
When we truly grasp just who God is and what he is capable of doing, I really believe the natural response is to keep bringing back to God whatever thing that is important to you because you know that he has the power to resolve any and all concerns. God is Awesome!
Our Sunday school lesson made a good point that we should continue to pray until we recognize God’s answer. With this being true we should ask God to help us see how he is responding to our request.
Luke 18:1-8 (NIV): 1. Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' 4. "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5. yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' " 6. And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8. I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
If we go back to verse 1 what do we see is the Lord’s intention for telling this parable? That at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart.
The principle of being persistent is clearly shown again in this scripture. We see in verse 1: they should always pray. In verse 3: who kept coming to him and in verse 7: cry out to him day and night. When one continues to approach God with the same need or concern what does that show? That we have faith and truly trust in God.
There is something else very interesting about these verses. If you go back to Matthew 17:20 and read to the end of the chapter you will see Jesus is talking about the Coming of the Kingdom of God and then when chapter 18 starts it says “then Jesus told his disciples”, so it is a continuation of his discussion of the second coming of our Lord. So in verse 1 when it says that they should always pray and not to give up, I believe Jesus is telling them to be persistent in praying that the Lord will come and to pray for the strength to endure until He arrives.
I do not know if you have thought about it, but when Jesus taught his disciples to pray in Luke 11:2-4 he instructed them to pray about the Kingdom to come. It reads: 2. 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. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us and lead us not into temptation.
Why do we believe Jesus wants us to pray for the Lord to return? I believe there are several reasons, one of them I know is that if we keep our focus on the return of our Lord Jesus and the Kingdom that he will establish that the hope we will experience will be much greater than whatever the world might bring our way. I also believe as we pray for God’s Kingdom that it will motivate us to be about God’s business and sharing the Good News with others. I also believe as we think about how wonderful His Kingdom will be, we will also see just how wonderful and great is the God we serve.
God clearly shows us in his word that we are to be persistent in our prayers.
Last thought, what will be the result if we have a burden on our heart and we truly see God for who he is? One who continues to come back to God over and over with the burden that is on their heart until they see how God answered the prayer.
Next week we will be looking at praying in Jesus’ name.
Before we go to our scriptures for the day let’s remember what James 1:22 says: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Matthew 15:21-28 (NIV): 21. Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession." 23. Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." 24. He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." 25. The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. (KJV 25. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.) 26. He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." 27. "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." 28. Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
What did Jesus say about the woman in verse 28? You have great faith! When I read that I want to fully understand why Jesus said she had great faith and not just faith. I desire Jesus to say that we all have great faith.
First thing you have to realize is that Jesus was leaving Galilee where he had been ministering for a long time. Jesus is leaving his country and traveling north to the coastal area of Tyre and Sidon which were port cities of the ancient Phoenicia. Jesus was traveling to a place where Gentiles lived and the area would have been filled with pagan religions. So as we look at this Canaanite woman we must remember her past experience in religion would have been pagan based. I believe when you consider her background you will understand why Jesus said her faith was great.
Let’s take a look at how the woman displayed her faith. I believe the first thing you see is she placed her faith in the right person or her faith was directed in the proper direction and that was toward Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 tells us: 12. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
The second thing you see is that she was repentant and repentance is always a part of faith. Look at what she said to Jesus in verse 22: Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!
When one cries for mercy what are they saying? I am pleading for mercy but I do not deserve anything. I am not in the position to demand anything.
In Psalm 51:1 I think David put it so perfectly: 1. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion.
As we get to verse 23 in chapter 15 of Matthew we see Jesus is going to put up a series of barriers for the woman. What are our thoughts at why Jesus took this approach? Jesus is testing her faith as he did throughout the bible with many others. With Abraham he promised a son, but Abraham had to wait many years for the promise to come true.
What do we learn about Abraham in Romans 4:20-21 (NIV): 20. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21. being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Because of the many barriers that were placed before the woman what characteristic did she have to display in order to have her request granted? Persistent
What can we learn from this as far as our prayer life? We all realize that God does not answer every prayer with an immediate “Yes”. God’s response is always what is best for us. What is very crucial is how we respond when the answer is not what we desired.
How did the woman respond to the barriers Jesus put before her? She did not give up nor did she respond with a negative attitude. Instead you see that she humbly approached Jesus as she knelt down and worshipped him.
How was she able to respond in such a correct manner and persistently pursue her need? I believe she fully understood what Paul said about Abraham in the verse we read earlier in Romans 4:21.
When we truly grasp just who God is and what he is capable of doing, I really believe the natural response is to keep bringing back to God whatever thing that is important to you because you know that he has the power to resolve any and all concerns. God is Awesome!
Our Sunday school lesson made a good point that we should continue to pray until we recognize God’s answer. With this being true we should ask God to help us see how he is responding to our request.
Luke 18:1-8 (NIV): 1. Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' 4. "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5. yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' " 6. And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8. I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
If we go back to verse 1 what do we see is the Lord’s intention for telling this parable? That at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart.
The principle of being persistent is clearly shown again in this scripture. We see in verse 1: they should always pray. In verse 3: who kept coming to him and in verse 7: cry out to him day and night. When one continues to approach God with the same need or concern what does that show? That we have faith and truly trust in God.
There is something else very interesting about these verses. If you go back to Matthew 17:20 and read to the end of the chapter you will see Jesus is talking about the Coming of the Kingdom of God and then when chapter 18 starts it says “then Jesus told his disciples”, so it is a continuation of his discussion of the second coming of our Lord. So in verse 1 when it says that they should always pray and not to give up, I believe Jesus is telling them to be persistent in praying that the Lord will come and to pray for the strength to endure until He arrives.
I do not know if you have thought about it, but when Jesus taught his disciples to pray in Luke 11:2-4 he instructed them to pray about the Kingdom to come. It reads: 2. 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. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us and lead us not into temptation.
Why do we believe Jesus wants us to pray for the Lord to return? I believe there are several reasons, one of them I know is that if we keep our focus on the return of our Lord Jesus and the Kingdom that he will establish that the hope we will experience will be much greater than whatever the world might bring our way. I also believe as we pray for God’s Kingdom that it will motivate us to be about God’s business and sharing the Good News with others. I also believe as we think about how wonderful His Kingdom will be, we will also see just how wonderful and great is the God we serve.
God clearly shows us in his word that we are to be persistent in our prayers.
Last thought, what will be the result if we have a burden on our heart and we truly see God for who he is? One who continues to come back to God over and over with the burden that is on their heart until they see how God answered the prayer.
Next week we will be looking at praying in Jesus’ name.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
February 8, 2009 Lesson - Praying Persistently
The scripture we will cover will be Matthew 15:21-28 and Luke 18:1-8. See everyone Sunday.
Pray Confidently, February 1, 2009 Lesson
There is nothing more important than our relationship with God. What role does communication play in a healthy relationship? How do we talk with God?
Proverbs 3:5-6 5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6. in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
I love this verse and it is one that God is using in my life. How does this verse tie in with our prayer life?
I want us to focus on the words: in all your ways acknowledge him.
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tell us? 16. Be joyful always; 17. pray continually; 18. give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
I believe for us to pray continually we must first acknowledge God in all things.
Prayer is so powerful! Prayer is entering into the presence of God! Prayer is experiencing God’s love! Prayer is desiring God’s will! Prayer is sharing your heart with God! Prayer is where we go for forgiveness! Prayer is on our knees seeing God for who he is! Prayer is needed more than we realize!
This month we will be looking at prayer and how to pray with power. Today we are going to be in Psalm 86 and the title of our lesson is Pray Confidently. The scripture will show us how David kept his focus on the character of God and by doing so he prayed with confidence. I want to challenge us to look at how we currently pray and what it says about our relationship with God.
Before we go to our scriptures for the day let’s remember what James 1:22 says: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Psalm 86:1-5 1. Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. 3. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 5. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.
At the end of Chapter 86 we learn that David’s enemies seek to kill him and here we see David praying with passion to God.
How does David describe himself or how he approaches God?
-Poor and needy (totally dependent on)
-Devoted to you
-You are my God.
-Servant who trust you
-I call to you all day long.
-I lift up my soul to you.
How does David describe or view God?
-O Lord
-Protector of life
-My God
-Giver of mercy
-Provider of joy
-Forgiving and good
-Abounding in love
When David called on God he spoke about himself and about God. When we pray what do we say about ourselves and about God?
When we are confident in God’s character, how does that affect our prayers?
Psalm 86:6-10 6. Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 7. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. 8. Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
David is right on target “you alone are God”. As David continues to focus on God and who he is, you see that he is confident that God will respond to his prayer. If we to desire to have such confidence we to must stay focused on who God is. What are some of his characteristics? Omnipresent (God is everywhere) Omnipotent (God is all powerful) Unchanging Holy Great Awesome All knowing Provider Love Forgiving Protector Eternal Faithful Righteous Good Truthful Perfect Creator Merciful Pure.
The list goes on and on. Words can not describe the God I love and serve. As we pray focus on God. Express who he is. Depending on what is going on in your life, one of these characteristics could have more meaning for you at this time. That is ok, but make sure you let God know how grateful you are and give him the praise he so richly deserves.
Psalm 86:11-13 11. Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. 13. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
Teach me your way, O Lord should be every believer’s request.
And as God answers this request what is our response? To walk in your truth.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 12. And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13. and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Everyone read Psalm 86:11-13 again out loud.
2 Chronicles 7:14 14. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Do we see where David humbles himself and prays? Where he seeks God? Where he turns from his wicked ways?
David prayed with great confidence because he prayed to a great God.
Not only do we pray to the same great God, but we have Jesus going to God on our behalf.
Hebrews 4:14-16 14. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
I thank God that we can go to him in our time of need.
Proverbs 3:5-6 5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6. in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
I love this verse and it is one that God is using in my life. How does this verse tie in with our prayer life?
I want us to focus on the words: in all your ways acknowledge him.
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tell us? 16. Be joyful always; 17. pray continually; 18. give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
I believe for us to pray continually we must first acknowledge God in all things.
Prayer is so powerful! Prayer is entering into the presence of God! Prayer is experiencing God’s love! Prayer is desiring God’s will! Prayer is sharing your heart with God! Prayer is where we go for forgiveness! Prayer is on our knees seeing God for who he is! Prayer is needed more than we realize!
This month we will be looking at prayer and how to pray with power. Today we are going to be in Psalm 86 and the title of our lesson is Pray Confidently. The scripture will show us how David kept his focus on the character of God and by doing so he prayed with confidence. I want to challenge us to look at how we currently pray and what it says about our relationship with God.
Before we go to our scriptures for the day let’s remember what James 1:22 says: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Psalm 86:1-5 1. Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. 3. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. 4. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 5. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.
At the end of Chapter 86 we learn that David’s enemies seek to kill him and here we see David praying with passion to God.
How does David describe himself or how he approaches God?
-Poor and needy (totally dependent on)
-Devoted to you
-You are my God.
-Servant who trust you
-I call to you all day long.
-I lift up my soul to you.
How does David describe or view God?
-O Lord
-Protector of life
-My God
-Giver of mercy
-Provider of joy
-Forgiving and good
-Abounding in love
When David called on God he spoke about himself and about God. When we pray what do we say about ourselves and about God?
When we are confident in God’s character, how does that affect our prayers?
Psalm 86:6-10 6. Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. 7. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. 8. Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
David is right on target “you alone are God”. As David continues to focus on God and who he is, you see that he is confident that God will respond to his prayer. If we to desire to have such confidence we to must stay focused on who God is. What are some of his characteristics? Omnipresent (God is everywhere) Omnipotent (God is all powerful) Unchanging Holy Great Awesome All knowing Provider Love Forgiving Protector Eternal Faithful Righteous Good Truthful Perfect Creator Merciful Pure.
The list goes on and on. Words can not describe the God I love and serve. As we pray focus on God. Express who he is. Depending on what is going on in your life, one of these characteristics could have more meaning for you at this time. That is ok, but make sure you let God know how grateful you are and give him the praise he so richly deserves.
Psalm 86:11-13 11. Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. 13. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
Teach me your way, O Lord should be every believer’s request.
And as God answers this request what is our response? To walk in your truth.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 12. And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13. and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Everyone read Psalm 86:11-13 again out loud.
2 Chronicles 7:14 14. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Do we see where David humbles himself and prays? Where he seeks God? Where he turns from his wicked ways?
David prayed with great confidence because he prayed to a great God.
Not only do we pray to the same great God, but we have Jesus going to God on our behalf.
Hebrews 4:14-16 14. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
I thank God that we can go to him in our time of need.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Lesson February 1, 2009
This Sunday we will be studying Psalm 86:1-13. We will be discussing prayer and some of the characteristics of God and how we can have confidence in God when we pray.
Pregnancy Center
Just for everyone's info. The pregnancy center reported they can always use diapers, they go through size 4 & 5 the quickest and they can use any size blanket and they said new or used is OK.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
