Praying Desperate Prayers

Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. (Psalm 86:6, 7 NIV) I remember a time in the early part of my ministry where I was desperate for God to touch the church that I was pastoring. The church had been in existence for years but had never had a major breakthrough. I was young, it was my first church and I didn't know what to do. I had grown up in a growing and thriving church and was not used to being in a dead, non-growing enviornment. I preached my heart out, visited the people, encouraged them and everything stayed the same. After about a year I found myself in deep prayer over the church and the people. I remember walking up the stairs from the basement to the church sanctuary and couldn't go any further for the desperation I felt and burden I felt. I knelt on those stairs, prayed and prayed, cried and cried. I called out to God to bring breakthrough to that little country church. When the burden finally lifted off my shoulders I got up and went about my business. I let go of my ego and put the matter in the Lord's hands. I remained faithful and just watched as God slowly brought in a harvest that has continued to this day in that church. Today, that church is one of the largest in that community and has a deep affect to many people's lives. I look back now at a moment when I was willing to pray a desperate prayer. I look back and say, "God never fails His kids and He always hears our prayers." May I encourage you today to pray desperate prayers to the God who loves you and wants to do something big in your life. He is waiting for you and He is willing to touch you now. Are you willing to give it all to Him? Are you willing for Him to do it His way? As one dear saint told me... "Let go and let God!" That's great advice for all of us.

God Will Restore

Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. (Psalm 80:19 NIV) I have watched over the years how devastating life can be. I have watched people lose their houses, their jobs and income. I have see families torn apart through strive and division and I've seen the heartbreak of losing someone that they love. i have seen it all. Life can be very hard at times. But on the flip side, I have seen over and over again of how faithful God and how He always takes care of His children. He promises restoration to us and I've thought about that alot. Restoration doesn't mean that He will necessarily bring back each and every thing that we lost but He will bring back that which is better for our lives. Restoration might also be a healing to our hearts over some loss that we've experienced. It tells us in Psalm 23 that he "restores our soul" - indicating that he heals the hurts and wounds that we have. This is a picture of a lamb that has rolled over on its side and cannot get up on its feet. The shepherd picks him up and gets him back on his feet again. This is what God wants to do to you today - bring restoration to your life. Trust God to bring you "through" whatever trial you might be experiencing and that He will accomplish what is best for your life today.

GOD HELPS US EVEN WHEN WE MAKE MISTAKES

Amaziah asked the man of God, "But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?" The man of God replied, "The Lord can give you much more than that." (2 Chronicles 25:9 NIV) Amaziah (a 25 year old king of Judah) invested his money in the wrong place by hiring Israelite troops to protect him and his people. That was not part of God's plan at all. Amaziah was worried about protecting his investment but God was wanting to protect his soul. God sends a man (we don't know who) and warns him to not go ahead with his plans. He proclaims to Amaziah that "the Lord can give you much more than what that" (referring to his investmest of 100 talents). Don't hold on to things that could in the end bring destruction and leaness to your soul. Yes, it might have been a costly mistake but it is better to let go of something that is the wrong decision and decide to go God's way. I love what the scritpures say in the Book Of Joel that God will "restore what the canker worm has eaten up in your life." He can give you so much more than what you've lost. God loves you so much that He will send His messengers to you to warn you of not going your own way. Let Him guide you through your mistakes and let Him lead you to the right paths. God will take care of you - trust Him today with every part of your life and you will be a blessed man or woman of God.

Tailor Made Trials Just For You

Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17 NIV) People often equate any trial in their life as coming from the devil and don't take into consideration that it is possible that the trial came from God Himself. God loves you too much to allow you to continue to do your own thing and will at times create a trial tailor made for you. Jonah had a call on His life and was running from that call. God told him to go one direction and he purposely went another to run from the call of God. God created a fish just Jonah's size that came and swallowed him up. It took 3 whole days for Jonah to repent and return back to God? Can you imagine being in that fish for three days with temperatures around 110 degrees? It could have been over sooner Jonah didn't quite get it. Finally, he relents and repents and the fish vomited him up on dry ground. (The fish probably left a bad taste in his mouth). Stop running from God today. Come back to the place where you should be. Submit to Him and to the leadership God has placed in your life. Only a God who loves you would go to such extremes to get your attention. Turn to Him today and you will be at peace.

How Are You And Jesus Doing Today?

"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart,with fasting and weeping and mourning." Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. (Joel 2:12, 13 NIV) I think all of us will relate to this verse at one time or another. It is interesting - we all live our life in cycles 1- Things are great. God is close to us and we have a season of abundance 2- We become lax and lazy and take things for granted. We forget God 3- A crisis will come and we find ourselves at the bottom of things 4- We then repent (hopefully) and God brings restoration back into our lives. Where are you in this cycle? Are you in that place and abundance and have taken things for granted. Is God first place in your life right now? Are you listening to and heeding the voice of God in your life right now? Are you hardened to the things of and ways of God? Is your heart indifferent today? Are you on fire for God or is your heart cold and calloused. My prayer for you today is that would do a heart check today and ask God to bring you back to the place where you need to be. Do you need to set aside time to be with God? Do you need to fast and pray? I pray that God would become real and close to you today and that His Holy Spirit would draw you into His presence today. I pray that you would be honest about how things are with you and Jesus today and that you would be willing for Him to speak the needed changes that you need to make. God is waiting. Are you willing and ready?

Our Victory Is On The Way

So David and his men went up to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand." So that place was called Baal Perazim. (1 Chronicles 14:11 NIV) in this passage - the Philistines were coming with full force against David in Jerusalem. David, goes to where they are and "heads them off the pass" as you might say. As David tells us - God gave such an overwhelming victory that it seemed like a dam was broke and the waters rushed out. In other words - it was BIG and it was QUICK. May God do that for you and more today. May He give you the courage to meet your difficulties straight up and give an OVERWHELMING victory today. I pray this in Jesus' strong name. Amen!"

The God Of The Impossible

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26 NIV) Every person who walks with God faces obstacles that are so daunting and overwhelming that we wonder if even God can fix it. I know I have - over and over. I've looked at certain things and thought that there was no way around that mountain. Fortunately for us, God knows that our faith is at times minimal and very weak. It becomes a reminder to us that "I can't but He can." He absolutely loves it when we call out to Him for help and assistance. He loves and even longs for His children to come to Him with any need they might have. Your God is the God of the impossible today. Go to Him and tell Him how much you love Him and tell Him your need today. Watch how He will then come through for you again and again."

What Do You Want

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight." Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (Matthew 20:29-34 NIV) What do you want me to do for you? I think this is a fair question for all of us to answer. This is the question that Jesus asked the two blind men who we're trying to get His attention. Their answer - "We want our sight." If God we're to ask you "What is it that you want" - could you answer that? James says that we have not because we ask amiss. I think at times we go to go with a bunch of generalities when God is asking us to get specific about our wants and needs in needs in life. People will say to me, "But I don't want to pray for the wrong things." My answer to that is that God promises to fulfill the desires of our heart and if our desires are wrong - He can change them. So... in response to Jesus' question to you "What do you want me to do today" - just come to Him with your specifics and trust God to come through for you in regards to your needs."

Who Do You Trust In Today?

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7 NIV) Who or what you trust in today makes all the difference in how you live your life on a daily basis. Are you worried and anxious or are you trusting in Christ to give you the answers you need? Are you trusting in the government to bail you out or in your savings account to get you through or are you trusting in God to provide for all your needs? Are you seeking help in decisions for your life from your friends or are you seeking and asking God what it is that He wants you to do? Who you trust in can mean the difference of a powerful contented life or a life filled with remorse and heartache. Take it from someone who has often trusted in the wrong things and has paid for it dearly in life - you must trust in Christ for every detail of your life. As the scriptures say, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

What's Bugging You?

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:10-12 NIV) For about a week something has been bothering me. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but I knew something was wrong. Finally, I asked the Lord about it and He pointed out something I had said to someone that was negative and critical. It was wrong and I have dealt with it. Yikes... I hate doing that but its the only way the Holy Spirit can truly use us for His glory. I want a clean heart today and I want to be used of God but like David - I/ we have to go to God and ask for repentance. It is then that He restores our joy and makes us pliable to be used by Him.

Today Could Be The Day

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. (Matthew 24:42 NIV) I think sometime we often become desensitized to the fact that Jesus is coming back to earth someday... and this could be that very day. How would you live your life if you knew this could be the day that Jesus would return to earth and bring His children home? Who would you call or what would you do? Matthew warns us to keep watch or be on the alert because know one knows the time or the hour of Jesus' return. Many people think that they will have time to in the very end to get it right with God. From experience - that is not always the case. Your life could be over just like that. Why wait until the last moment when you could make the decision to live for God right now? Decide now to make Jesus Lord of your life and decide now that today will be a day that you will follow Him with all your heart soul and mind. After all - today could be the day that Jesus returns - will you be ready?"

Are You Like A Stubborn Donkey?

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. (Psalm 32:8, 9 NIV) One of my favorite pictures is that of a road in the middle of nowhere that suddenly splits into two roads without any sign indicating the direction of either one. Life is like that in a lot of ways - we have many choices but there is only one right way. The Psalmist teaches us about God's desire to lead us through this maze called life and it's interesting that God says that He will lead us with His "eye on you." When I was growing up - we called that the "stink eye." My mom could get us kids to do almost anything just with the look of her eye. She had this certain look that we knew that if we didn't straighten up we would really get it when we got home. Here's the thing: God wants to lead us but we've got to be looking His way and need to get rid of the stubborness that we would be characteristic in mules and donkeys. I would rather follow God's leading with my own volition rather than to have to be led by the "bit and bridle" method - a not so fun way of livng life. Look to God today and follow His leading and you will be at peace today."

How Do People See You?

For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. (Psalm 71:5-7 NIV) David declares that his life has been a sign to many that God is his strong refuge. I was thinking about that phrase this morning in regards to my own life. I have been a Chrisian for most of my life and have for the most part lived my life in front of people who have seen my ups and downs and my in's and out's. My life has been lived with glass walls where others have watched in regards to who I really am. That's not a bad thing but it can also be at times very scary. As David, I pray that when people view my life that they will see that God has been first and foremost and that my life is a sign of God's faithfulness even during troublesome and difficult times. I'm not perfect by any means and I have a long way to go but I do love Jesus with my whole heart. It is my prayer that you see that in me today also. "

Do You Ever Feel Like Running Away

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. (Psalm 55:6 NIV) One of the greatest men to have ever lived - David, felt like running away. The stress of life, the betrayal of friends, the pressures from people caused him to just want to go away and hide from all his problems. He was done. He came to an end and was tired and wanted to just "fly away." I can relate. I have often felt like that in life with all the demands and pressures that come upon us. Walking away seems easier than sticking it out and dealing with things. David vented but he also relented. At the end of the Psalm he said: As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me." We all feel stress and we all feel like running away but its at times like these that we need to go to God and tell Him how we feel and trust Him to bring us through. He always has and He always will."

A Prayer Of Blessing For Others

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. (1 Thessalonians 3:12, 13 NIV) Often our focus in prayer is about ourselves - my needs, my finances, my job, my health, my family, my comfort, etc., etc., etc. This prayer that Paul prays is a very different prayer as it focuses on the needs of OTHERS. He is specific in praying over the Thessalonians that God's blessings would rest upon them in a special way. I want to encourage you today to not be "me" focused but to be "others" focused today. Speak a prayer over the many people that you will come in contact with as you go about your day. For... that person in line in front of you that seems stressed out. For... that person who is driving behind you and seems to be impatient. For... that person who has been ignoring you. For... that person you work with who you don't get along very well with. For...and the list could on and on. As Paul prayed - "May God strengthen you hearts" I pray that over you today. May God fill you with every blessing and that you would be a blessing to others and may His Holy Spirit fill every need that you have that God's presence might be seen and felt in you today. Amen."

Our Ambition In Life

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12 NIV) I know this scripture goes against the grain of a lot of people who feel as if is their aim in life to be busy and do things all the time - to occupy their time until Jesus comes. It is true that we need to work and and be fruitful - but it is also true that we should learn the gift of silence and not meddling in everyone's affairs. A key phrase here is "a quiet life.". I pray all of us would get this today - that we would practice mini sabbaticals every hour,every day, every week and every month. It is only then that we can sit at the feet of Jesus and truly hear His voice and words to our heart. Rest my child and be at peace today."

Don't Quit

Also David told Solomon his son, Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail or forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. (1 Chronicles 28:20 AMP) Winston Churchill is famous for his "We will NEVA, NEVA, NEVA give up" speech. When he spoke those words to the people of the world it resonated in their hearts and gave them the determination to not quit. I think that all of us have those days where we want to quit and walk away. We get discouraged by the slow process and or the failed results. As David speaks words of strength to his son - your Heavenly Father is whispering encouraging words over your life today - that God is not finished with you and He will not give up on you until His assignments in your life are fulfilled. You might not see the answer of even know from where the answer will come from but keep in mind that you only see a glimpse today of what God is doing in your life. There is a grander picture that only God sees. So, stick to the task, put your eyes on Jesus and He will give you the strength you need to finish what God has placed in your life. He WILL see you through.

The Way God Qualifies Us

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. (2 Thessalonians 1:11 NIV) Whom God calls -God qualifies. I've talked to a lot of people who have told me that at some point in their life they had some call into ministry. What they thought would happen would be that God would just drop a ministry in their lap. Take it from my experience - God doesn't work that way. He makes sure that you take no short cuts. He makes sure that you learn every lesson. He trains you as if you're going out to battles. He prepares you in enemy tactics that you may know how to defeat Satan and His foes. So, instead of becoming hardened to to the process - stop and thank God that He counted you worthy of the call and He loves you enough to bring some hardships in your life to train you and prepare you for the ministry He has called you to."

The Way To Start Your Week

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things... (Psalm 98:1 NIV) Let's start our week off right by giving praise. Our natural inclination is to gripe and complain but lets decide to give praise to God in every situation because He is God and He is knows what is best for our lives. You can be "down and out" today or you can look up and give praise to our Almighty God for all that He's done for you in the past and for what He will yet do in the future. Praise is the key to a joyful life right now. It puts the focus on Him and not on you. Put a song on your heart and if you're brave - put it on your lips also. Give God praise - You will be glad you did - guaranteed!"

Revival Now

When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple. (1 Kings 8:10, 11 NIV) I've been around church for my whole life and I've seen God do amazing and wonderful things. He never ceases to amaze me. As I read this scripture this morning about the glory of God coming down on this gathering - I hungered and ached for that experience to come into my life and into our own church. Can you imagine being in a service where God's presence was so strong that you couldn't even stand - that you would have lay down prostrated before Him? That - it wasn't about schedules and timetables but just about being focused on God and His presence. So many times going to church is just another thing on my calendar and is treated as a duty or an obligated appointment but our heart is not there but I pray that God would put a deep hunger and desire in all our hearts to come and worship and expect God to show up in each and every one of our lives. "God, I pray for revival in the High Desert and let it begin with me and let it begin in New Life Chapel." Amen."

God Is In Your Dark Places

Then Solomon said, "The Lord has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; (2 Chronicles 6:1 NIV) I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isaiah 45:3 NIV) This might be a little provocative for some people but the scriptures tell us that God can be found in your dark (not evil) places. God is with you in your dark and difficult times and according to Psalm 23:4 "He leads me through the valley of shadow and death." I remember when I first realized this principle during a very dark season of my life - that, no matter how dark things seemed - God was with me! It is in those dark places that God reveals His treasures for my life. It is during those times that I draw close to Him - even closer then ever before. You might be struggling today - God is with you. He promises to never leave or forsake you. Trust Him today. You might not see or feel Him right now but He is there with you. Call out to Him and watch how He will work on your behalf. But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. (Micah 7:7, 8 NIV)"

The Way God Loves Us

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV) I am so thankful for the love of God in my life. I don't deserve it but He loved me anyways. Take some time throughout this day just to reflect on this wonderful truth - GOD LOVES ME. If you we're the only person on this earth - God still loves you and would have still sent His son Jesus Christ to die for you. This is an amazing truth for you to stand on today. Give Him thanks today for all that He has done for and will do for you."

First And Foremost

Above all else, guard your heart,for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23 NIV) There are many important things in our lives that we are called to do but that of guarding our hearts is considered one of the areas that we are protect with all diligence. My heart leads me and my emotions down good paths or down bad paths. It is the inner part of me that connects with and worships God. It is the place that will lead me into depresssion and discouragement or it will lead me into joy and hapapiness. We must always guard our heart for EVERYTHING you do flows from it. I pray today that you would get this truth and apply it to your mind and heart and ask God to give you a pure and holy heart that is for Him in all things."

So Thankful

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, (Romans 8:1 NIV) A lot of what I do is to help people realize what Christ has done for them. When we came to Christ - our lives we're filled with so much guilt and condemnation and our past was a constant reminder of what an awful person we used to be. The Biible is clear that Christ brings us conviction of our sins but doesn't bring condemnation of our past. When we asked Christ to forgive us of our sins, He did and "remembers them no more." So... the next time Satan knocks on the door of your heart to bring condemnation - let the new owner of your heart answer it and don't walk in condemnation any more. Enough said!"

Help For Today

For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. (Proverbs 9:11 NIV) One of my ongoing prayers is that God would give me wisdom about every facet of my life. I know that I'm in over my head when it comes to being a husband, a father, a grandfather or a pastor,etc. My abilities are limited and I make a lot of mistakes. My only source of help comes from God and He encourages me to come to Him for all my questions and needs. The verse before this states that the fear (respect) of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. No matter what your need today - go to God, trust Him to give you the help and strength and wisdom you need. He is on call 24/7 and will lead you and give you the wisdom you need just for today."

Are You An Encourager Today?

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. (Proverbs 12:25 NIV) Determine with me that you are going to be a blessing to others today. Make up your mind that as people cross your paths that are down and out that you will bring them cheerful words and encouraging thoughts. Many people are hurting and just feel like giving up. Don't let their anxiety spill over on you but let your joy flow over to them. This world can be a harsh place and for some - it is filled with dread and anxiousness. God has deposited joy in your heart - give it away today and watch how different you will feel at the end of this day!

Are You Running From God?

For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.] (Romans 11:29 AMP) Often, I talk to people who tell me that at a very young age God called them to be into some type of ministry. As I probe them I find out that they have never done anything about it or have tried and have given up. Can I encourage you that it is never too late - that once God calls you He doesn't go back on that call. God still wants to use you and still wants to make you a blessing to other people. The fields are ripe for the harvest and God is still calling laborers to work for Him. You might have walked away from God's call on your life but He hasn't walked away from you and still has a plan for you that is good (Jeremiah 29:11). Call out to Him today and ask Him to rekindle the fire in heart and step out in faith to be used by God - you will be glad you did!"

A Prayer For You Today

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NIV) Are you hopeless and are you filled with anxiety today? If so, this prayer is for you. Let it speak to your heart and let it minister to your spirit. Let God FILL you today with all that you need and desire. For a moment, push all the "stuff" that is bothering you aside and allow His Holy Spiirt to touch afresh today. Let Him carry you over any chasm and difficulty in your life and be at peace. Jesus is here right now and is more than willing to touch your life. Amen. Pastor Bill Burnett"

Two Choices You Will Make

With God we will gain the victory...(Psalm 60:12 NIV) Abraham Lincoln once wrote "Without God I MUST fail." Notice that he didn't say "I will fail" but I "MUST" fail. He knew that in order to be in right standing with God that He must come to an end of his own doings and self promotions - that he had to come to some crisis to turn him back to God. There are two options before us - "With God" - wholly surrendered and submitted to follow Him wherever He leads us or "Without God" - doing it on my own and ignoring God's kingdom principles here on earth. The Psalmist states it clearly that "with God" we will gain the victory. Without God - you are doomed to fail. With God - you will experience overwhelming victory and blessings. The choice is your to take today - make the right choice!"

One Of The Greatest Days Of My Life's

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. (Proverbs 12:25 NIV) I remember a time when I was a young pastor just starting out and being very discouraged one day. The church I was pastoring wasn't growing very fast and the needs seemed bigger than I could handle. I was really struggling and wallowing in my troubles. There we're two verses of scripture that I stood on at that time. The first one was from 1 Samuel 30:6 where it says that "David encouraged himself in the Lord." The second was this verse saying that "anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up." I remember thinking that there was no around to give me a kind word so I thought I should try reach out to others and give a kind word to them. I sat down and thought of 5 people who were worse off than myself and determined to call all 5 of them that day and give them a "kind" word. After calling each of them - I was so encouraged myself that I forgot all about my problems. May I encourage you today to perhaps think of someone who is in a worse place than you are and give them a kind word today. It will help them and most importantly - it will help you also."

A Win Win Situation

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21 NIV) I have been at the dying moments of a lot of people in my lifetime and it is always interesting to me at "how" people approach their last moments in life. For some, it is with bitterness and rebellion and their hearts remain hard to the very end. But with many it is a time of "getting things right" before they leave this earth. To them - it is not a sorrowful experience as they know that they will soon be in the arms of their Savior. Until that time - we are all exhorted to just keep serving and loving the people that God has put around us. It is a win win situation - Live on the earth and serve God or go to be with Him in heaven forever and ever. Either way - I content to walk and serve my Lord."

It's Hard To Be A Christian

For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13 NIV) It's hard to be a Christian - but God knows that. To try with your own strength and power to serve God - you will fail. You can't do it on your own. You don't have the power or the resources to even make a plausible effort. God sees that and has offered to come alongside and help you out. Let me put it another way... God not only comes alongside of you but He works IN you to help you and move through you to fulfill his good purposes. He doesn't want you to fail. It's like taking a test but He's given us all the answers. His promise to us -" I will NEVER leave you or forsake you. I am with you always. Trust in me and you will be the most awesome Christian that is serving God with all your heart, soul and mind.""

Neva' Neva' Neva' Give Up

...But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13, 14 NIV) I saw a cute cartoon one time of a frog who had been swallowed whole by a long neck bird. The frog, not wanting to be swallowed stretched his arm out of the mouth of the bird and placed it on the birds neck so the bird wouldn't be able to complete the swallowing process. In a way - that should be the attitude of all of us. No matter what has happened in our life, no matter what difficulties we have experienced - we should never give up. We need this tenacity to outlive and outplay the problems that come our way. We all face difficult times - no one is exempt but we need to put our eyes on the prize ahead which is Jesus Christ and press on for the goal of heaven. Winston Churchill, in addressing his country England about Hitler and World War II said it best... "We will NEVA', NEVA', NEVA' give up." That quote rallied a whole nation to stand up against the evils of that time and it is the rally cry that should be on every Christian that we should stand strong, take courage and never give up!"

A Word Of Encouragement

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. I have watched how our economy has affected so many lives. It is heartbreaking to see so many needs and so few resources. If anything, I think that for a lot of people the current economic breakdown has been a blessing because it has allowed people to trust in God more. It has allowed people to see first hand how God takes care of His children. Sure, I might not have some of the "new" things or the latest toy but I have seen with my eyes that God takes care of His kids. You are His child today. Don't think He has forgotten. He WILL take care of everything - just trust Him today."

For Those Struggling Today

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV) Life, at times, can be overwhelming - especially when you feel as if you've tried and exhausted all your resources and energies. Asa the king of Israel felt the same way. Opposing armies kept oppressing the little country of Israel over and over again. In the midst of that oppression a prophet shows up and basically says, "Stay the course, remain faithful and you will overcome your enemies." That is exactly what Asa did. The Bible says he took courage and did what God told him to do. If you're exhausted and overwhelmed today - Don't give up - stay the course - remain faithful and God will see you through to the victory ahead. Guaranteed!

A Word To Father's

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (Colossians 3:21 NIV) Fathers Day is this weekend so I thought I would give a word of encouragement to the father's today. Sometime ago, I met with a father and son that were at odds with each other. The son did not choose to go the way of his father and the father in turn rejected his son. It is now two years later and they still haven't spoke to one another. How sad. As a father it is only our place to guide our children on the path but it is their decision which path they will choose - right or wrong. As a father - we will always have the responsibility to pray for our children every day. We are influencers but ultimately they are in the hands of God. We must, if possible keep that bridge of communication open and must not embitter them along the way. We must not be provkers of wrath but stimulants of love. Even if our children go astray we must be the father who is standing on the porch, watching, waiting for the prodigal to come home. We must do our part and then let God do His part. Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.""

A Matter Of Great Importance

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2 NIV) Devote defined: "to set apart or concentrate to, to give attention to. I think the word "devote" would not be one of the words that would describe most of our prayer lives. We would probably use phrases like sporatic, half-hearted, after-thought, boring, and uninteresting. When Colossians says that we need to "devote" ourselves to prayer it takes on a whole new meaning. We are to be "focused" in our prayer. It is to be a "priority" in our lives. It is to be a time of "intimacy" and "importance" and not an after-thought. I would like to challenge each and every one of you to re-think your prayer life and the time and energy that you give to it. I would pray that prayer would once again be a primary thing in your daily life and that Christ would become an intimate part of your daily experience. Set aside some time that is quiet and get back into the groove today and allow God to open up His heart to you in new and refreshing ways. He has something to say to you - are you listening today?"

A Shepherds Prayer For New Life Chapel

"Father, I pray great grace over the family of NLC today. I pray that you would cover each of them with your protection and peace. May every person they come in contact feel and sense that God is at work in them and through them. I pray also for those struggling today with issues that are weighing them down. I pray that you will lead them through and give them the answers they need. I pray that any burdens they have will be turned into pools of joy. I also lift up those who are struggling with financial issues and ask that you would be Jehovah Jireh (The God Who Provides) to them. I pray for miracles to happen today for those who are in need of a miracle. I pray for those who are having health needs and pray that you would be Jehovah Raphe (The Lord Who Heals). I ask that you would break all our hearts with that which breaks yours and that sin will be far from our lives today. Help us to reach out to those who have been dealt with unjustice. Help us to remember that we we're once like them and if it wasn't for the grace of God - we would still be in their shoes. I pray that we would all have a thankful heart today and that we would give thanks in all things. I pray your blessings on your people today. I ask this in Jesus' Strong Name. Amen!"

Where Is Your Blessing?

Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?" "Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a small jar of olive oil." (2 Kings 4:2 NIV) I think a lot of Christians are looking for their blessing in all the wrong places. They think, "If I only could have this house or that job," or "If I could have a big bank account," or "if I could move to such and such city," etc. Sometimes we are looking everywhere for the blessings but have neglected to look in one important place - our own house, our own lives. What has God already blessed you with? What has He already given you that you've neglected to give thanks for. We often over look the small blessings that have already been given to us and t's these blessings that sometimes become the catylyst for greater blessings down the road. So, instead of always looking elsewhere for some outside blessing coming your way - why not look at what God has already blessed you with and give thanks daily for the blessings you already have been given. Watch how God will turn those small blessings into pools of joy today!"

Your Victory Is Around The Corner

"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:16, 17 NIV) I have applied this verse to my life more than a few times over my years. Life, at times, can seem overwhelming and the circumstances can see undaunting. When looking forward to our situations we often see only a lot of heartache and a lot of drama. We only see how big our problems are. In this passage, the servant of the man of God could only see that the army of men surrounding them and his life was filled with fear. Elisha knew something this servant didn't know - the army that was seen was no match for the army that was not seen. God's army was bigger and more in number then the army surrounding them. My question to you today is "What do you see today?" Do you only see the problems and the difficulties or do you see how big your God is and what is about to do for you. Look up today and see that your victory is right around the corner and that "greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world." "