Have you been beating yourself up lately? Stop that.

If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. —1 John 3:20

Who knows every little thing, medium thing, and big thing about us? The Lord knows, and He is so much greater than any self-condemnation you might feel. As reborn believers (Jn. 3:3) our confidence toward the Lord and our right relationship with Him; it all springs out of His great love for us ..not from our best performance or works in this life. He is the Initiator and we respond. He woos and we ask for forgiveness when we blow it and He not only does.. instantaneously ..but He also teaches us to walk in victory cuz of His great love. In fact, “We know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us” (v.24). 

"From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord;

I’ve never kept secret what you’re up to.

You’ve always been great toward me—what love!

You snatched me from the brink of disaster!" Psalm 86:12-13 msg

If you move forward with the truth that you know, things will become clearer and you will be given more truth to act on.

Yes indeed, if you walk in the light that you've already received, you will receive more light. But if you put this off and don't then you'll be pretty much paralyzed by all the things you don't know. Who wants that? You and I really want to please and obey the Lord huh.  

So advancing in God's light with God's wisdom.. understanding and applying the Bible truth that He has given.. it literally sets you free. That's pretty motivating huh! I feel passionate about that... about Him and His great plan. We get to be apart of it. What a privilege for us. 

"For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light." Psalm 36:9

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105

It's a stewardship thang really. "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." Luke 12:48

I don't know about you right now, but I want to employ what God has given. It's fun, it's productive, it's life-changing. 

Besides, you know people's lives are at stake, therefore it's radically important for us to do so. "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.

Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.'

His lord said to him, 'Well [done], good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 'And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.' But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 'So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.

Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 'And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'" Matthew 25:14-30 nkjv  Like at: facebook.com/shareJesus

Evolution verses God. How come with the former all observable evidence is always millions and billions of years ago and is not observable?

Need some courage and a handful of promises to claim?

When was the last time that you rehearsed, memorized, or simply claimed one promise from God's Word? We can do this... every week ...as our needs change, as the needs of those around us change. 

Sometimes it so easy to forget and pass over the very basic things that help us to grow and to serve the Lord.

Do we feel more advanced than those basics? How come? We shouldn't—isn't that just pride? What are you doing to sow to the Spirit and advance in your spiritual life with Christ as Lord. The truth is we never outgrow the Essentials or basic disciplines of our walk.  

"Who are these tremendous promises made to as far as prayer is concerned? They are made to disciples." ~ Chuck Smith Sr.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,

Listening every moment to the Spirit's call

Resting in my Savior as my all in all,

Standing on the promises of God. ~ Anon.

Okay, so here's some among many other promises for ya today...

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4 kjv

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" Jeremiah 29:11

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." ~Jesus, Matthew 11:28-29

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

"No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. and I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in yourheart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

"I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27

"He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:29-31

"But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm." Proverbs 1:33

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

Claiming the promises and choosing a faith-filled infectious lifestyle in Christ.. infectious in a good sorta way ..is way-thrilling, challenging and adventurous! We can do this by the power of God. 

"There's nothing in life that's as exciting as befriending, loving, and leading wayward people towards faith in Christ." ~ Bill Hybels

To equip you, the promises of God are so there for you. And He is also there for you by His Holy Spirit. The Lord loves you so. I pray that you'll grasp the significant of His love, and of these Scriptures above ..and then take hold of all that God has for you as you serve Christ today.

You know that the Christian experience is a spiritual pilgrimage (funny word huh), yes, all the way from earth to our home in heaven it's an adventure. And for this we really do need Him and His promises.

It is our responsibility to be built up in our faith with His Word, to claim what we need according to our respective callings, and as an outgrowth of this zoe and abundant life in Christ that we enjoy, it's our task is to simply overflow, yes, to witness with joy in spreading His Gospel, and to win n take as many people as possible with us to heaven. Jesus doesn't need to be like us.. to think like, or do like we would do. No, not any day of the week. But we sure need to daily think like, be like, and do like Him. Our family members, neighbors, coworkers, fellow students etc need us to be like Him too.

"We must be willing to invest our most valuable resources and expend consistent, intense effort to advance His Name." ~ Franklin Graham

If you are following Jesus, then you will be going to places and people groups where He would go. You'll be fervently praying about and doing the kind of stuff that He came here to do. Yes, by words and kind acts you'll be tactfully reaching out to, helping, and rescuing the perishing. Yep, under the Lordship of Christ you'll be regularly praying about and doing this kinda stuff no matter what it takes - sure, if it's righteous to do.

Grasp onto the promises real tight. Follow Christ real close. Then non-rude-or-pushy-preachy-like go, "Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season... Do the work of an evangelist." ~ Paul, 2 Timothy 4:2,5  facebook.com/shareJesus

Words...

..to accurately and fully convey the uber-awesome experience of eternity in the right location—to the best of my knowledge they've not been invented yet.

Spectacular, astounding, marvelous, and amazing simply come up far short.

Words... to accurately and fully convey the uber-horrific experience of eternity in the wrong location—to the best of my knowledge they've not on earth been invented yet.

The Apostle John was carried away to heaven in Revelation chapter 21 and this chapter has somewhat of a description of heaven for us ..though his language and my language (English) are so very limited. Go ahead and read (slowly) and study it in context. John describes what he saw in Revelation 21:10-27:

10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.

11 It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.

12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.

13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west.

14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 

16 The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia [or 1,400 miles!] in length, and as wide and high as it is long [1,400 miles wide and tall!].

17 The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits [that is 200 feet!] thick.

18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.

19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 

20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst [these last two stones are unknown or only exist in heaven today].

21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.

24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.

25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.

26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.

27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Please enter through Jesus Christ...yes, even now.. today. Why put it off any longer? He's your only Hope—the only way in for any of us. 

So, what’s up with lying?

"A negative mind will never get you a positive life." – Dale Partridge

I remember doing it. As a kid and it seemed like the best choice to protect myself after not doing my household chores out in the yard or school homework. Got caught a lot, cuz the results were always right there along with my brothers and sister to tell on me. Felt terrible inside as well - guilty. Guilt ain't a bad thing. Is that warning light on your dash bad when your car is out of oil? No it's a good thing and it tells you to stop and get some oil put in there before you have a dead car. 

That's what guilt is.  It's so good cuz it tells you to stop and start addressing things properly before you have what is far worse to have - a dead life. 

Though lying is now so very common even with popular world leaders, lying to people is just wrong.. especially for believers. We of all people need to tell the truth. That's what the Good News of Jesus is all about so people can make the best decision. An effective witness for Christ will tell the truth consistently even if it costs them... instead of lie for his or her own advantage. Why? Well, it's because we really love Christ the most, who is totally truthful all the time and cuz we also love others ...people that Christ wants to reach.

  

"A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies. In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death." (Prov. 14:25 nkjv) "..a false witness is a traitor." (nlt) "..one who utters lies is a betrayer." (rsv)

1.)         Liars Are In Love with Themselves And Besides.. the Bible Literally Connects Lying with real Hate. 
You don't want to be a hater do you? Likers gunna like, so let's not be a hater of any human. 

2.)         Liars Are Cowards. 
It takes courage and boldness to live the truth and daily stand up for with what's true.

3.)         Liars Lose Their Good Name and Their Reputation. 
Both of those take a lot of time to gain or regain, yes, they are really hard to re-establish from scratch. It's all about denying ourselves of what is hurtful (to others or us), and the choices we each make including the follow-through in keeping our promises.

"A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin." (Prov. 26:28 kjv)

"If anyone says, I love God, and hates (detests, abominates) his brother in Christ, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." (1 John 4:20 amp) "If anyone says, I love God, and hates a brother or sister, he is a liar." (ceb)

What more does God have to say about it? Need some more verses to meditate upon and study within their context?

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16 

"You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness." Exodus 23:1 

"Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent or the righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty." Exodus 23:7 

"You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another." Leviticus 19:11 

"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" Numbers 23:19 

"The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is a false witness and he has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do to his brother. Thus you shall purge the evil from among you. The rest will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such an evil thing among you." Deuteronomy 19:18-20 

"If I have walked with falsehood, And my foot has hastened after deceit, let Him weigh me with accurate scales, and let God know my integrity." Job 31:5-6

"You destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit." Psalms 5:6 

"Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully." Psalms 24:3 

"Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence." Psalms 27:12 

"Let the lying lips be mute, which speak arrogantly against the righteous with pride and contempt. Psalms 31:18 

"How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, and has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood." Psalms 40:4 

"Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, Falsehood more than speaking what is right. Selah. You love all words that devour O deceitful tongue. But God will break you down forever; He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent, and uproot you from the land of the living. Selah." Psalms 52:2-5

"My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land that they may dwell with me; he who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me. He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; he who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me." Psalms 101:6-7

"I hate and despise falsehood, but I love Your law." Psalms 119:163 

"Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue." Psalms 120:2 

"There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers." Proverbs 6:16-19

"He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool." Proverbs 10:18 

"A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight." Proverbs 11:1 

"Truthful lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment." Proverbs 12:19 

"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." Proverbs 12:22   

"A righteous man hates falsehood, but a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully." Proverbs 13:5 

"An evildoer listens to wicked lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue." Proverbs 17:4 

"Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, much less are lying lips to a prince." Proverbs 17:7   

"A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will not escape." Proverbs 19:5 

"A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will perish." Proverbs 19:9   

"What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar." Proverbs 19:22   

"Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. "Proverbs 20:17 

"The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death." Proverbs 21:6   

"A false witness will perish, but the man who listens to the truth will speak forever." Proverbs 21:28 

"Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor." Proverbs 25:18 

"A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin." Proverbs 26:28 

"If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, all his ministers become wicked." Proverbs 29:12 

"Woe to those who drag iniquity with the cords of falsehood, And sin as if with cart ropes.." Isaiah 5:18 

"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken falsehood, your tongue mutters wickedness. No one sues righteously and no one pleads honestly. They trust in confusion and speak lies; they conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity." Isaiah 59:2-5 

"The remnant of Israel will do no wrong and tell no lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths; for they will feed and lie down with no one to make them tremble." Zephaniah 3:13 

"But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man." Matthew 15:18-20

"And He said to him, 'Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.' Then he said to Him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, 'You shall not commit murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 19:17-19

"Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death." Matthew 26:59 

"Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way." Luke 6:26 

"You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44 

"..and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word." John 8:55 

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6 

"But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.' And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it." Acts 5:3-5  

"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:13 

"Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another." Ephesians 4:25 

"Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices.." Colossians 3:5-9  

"and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep." 2 Peter 2:3 

"The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.." 1 John 2:4 

"I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth." 1 John 2:21 

"Then He said to me, 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.'" Revelation 21:6-8

"and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." Revelation 21:27 

"Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying." Revelation 22:14-15 facebook.com/shareJesus  

Pray, display, and quickly obey. Go public with Him.

With who? With Jesus as Lord. He went public on the cross ..and earlier.. for you and me. 

Remember that old song: "Secret Agent Man"? Liked it, and even met a few. For real. They went public and at least told me. 

Probably told me the truth. I believed em. 

Yeah, kinda reminds me of "Secret discipleship" I hear about. 

But isn't that a contradiction of terms? Yes, think about it.. cuz if you're truly a disciple of the Jesus found in the Bible then His discipleship will basically demolish the secrecy part...unless you're alone in times of prayer, but even the results of doing that will go public. 

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee OPENLY." 

Why hide your light under a basket or merely enter a closet of sorts to pray in faith and yet never exit from there to tell? I say we, boldly go and share the #Gospel of Jesus Christ. I dare you. Live 100% for and speak out for Jesus. This is the day of quick breaking news. It shouldn't take more than 2000 years for any ..to hear the Good News huh.  

Some labor of love is simply far more constructive and beneficial that other types of it

They labor well who choose to intercede for others with their pressing needs; cuz it's on two knees and it ain't always a breeze when true love is expressed. Some may view such a habit as a quirk to ditch, but it's a rigor the godly will pitch and not shirk.

May I ask you some questions about your spiritual temperature? Looking at your daily calendar of events over the last year and months, was prayer times injected in there in between all those other meetings and work commitments? Ain't judgin' anyone. It's just a question I like to ask myself. Did it come before all those other big things that were imperative to get done?

"If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for."  ~ Charles H. Spurgeon

"It is because of the hasty and superficial conversation with God that the sense of sin is so weak and that no motives have power to help you to hate and flee from sin as you should." ~ A.W. Tozer

Do you find that you pray more after you've been talking about prayer, or reading about it, or have been hearing someone else talk and give you some good thoughts on prayer? I do. We all reap what we sow huh, and listening to sound messages on prayer will not only benefit you and your faith, but it will benefit others as well.   

"Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. Gods voice in response to mine is its most essential part." ~ Andrew Murray

"Don't pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees." ~ Corrie Ten Boom

Ever been locked away in a prison of sorts, real or perhaps at some workplace and God was your only means of escape? And then, like He did with Corrie Ten Boom, He liberated you from it? Read her book again, "The Hiding Place" and check out her family's prayer life and faith. It was all about a two way friendship of love, not some working of beads or earning the blessings. 

"Prayer is the acid test of devotion." ~ Samuel Chadwick

"Prayer—secret, fervent, believing prayer—lies at the root of all personal godliness."  ~ Williams Carey

How good are you really? Want God to make you better as His representative in this dark world? Ask Him to. 

Do you carry a prayer list that you've made that has people's names upon it that you like to pull out from time to time during the day so that you can lift up these loved ones before God's throne?

"Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven." Ps. 107:28-30

"Prayer is not preparation for the work, it is the work." ~ Oswald Chambers

Better than preaching on or meditating upon "prayer", though these activities can indeed be very good, is praying to the Father in Jesus mighty Name.

"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God." Ps 42:1

Prayer should never be a have to do it kinda thang. You know how it is when people get real thirsty for h2o, they'll stop what they are doing..no matter how important it is to few or to many people..and they'll go seek after, go search for, and go find water to drink and quaff it down until they are satisfied.

And when people get real thirsty for God, they also stop all the other things that they've been doing..no matter how important those things are to few or to many people..and they go seek after, go search for, and find living water to drink.. from Him until they are totally satisfied. And He really satisfies the most.

"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." Matt. 21:22

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mk. 11:24 

What do you really want in this life? What do you desire to see happen? It's good not to instruct God how to do what He does, but when do you want to see Him bless? It never hurts to let Him know your full request. 

"Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan." ~ John Bunyan

"The fewer the words the better prayer."  ~ Martin Luther

"Prayer is an effort of will." ~ Oswald Chambers

H E L P!  That's a good prayer sometimes. Remember when Peter was sinking into the water and he simply cried out to the Lord for help. Did Jesus let him go under and perish? I like that kind of prayer. It's non-religious and to the point. Sure. And God doesn't mind that one at all. I just love to see the Lord work. When I leave off defending myself and pray, He defends me. No one could do better. 

"But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, 'Tabitha, arise.' And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up." Acts 9:40

"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." Jam. 5:14-16

Is what you are asking for in keeping with God's holy character and purpose? Would it mean that anyone compromise or do even a little bit of wrong to see it fulfilled?...or is it in His Name that you ask? 

"Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." Jn. 14:13-14

The Apostle Paul once wrote an uplifting letter to believers located in Colosse. Why did He do it? Well, the Holy Spirit inspired him to. He really wanted to encourage and assure them that he was praying always for them (Col. 1:3,9) cuz that's what real love does. When he ended his brief, he mentioned Epaphras, the founder of the church of Colossian, who was "always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (4:12). Yes, Paul prioritized believing prayer ahead of so many other constructive Christian disciplines—shouldn't we as well?

"Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.." Eph. 6:18

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7

On the really practical level, what is the bridge if ya will between your goals and real accomplishment? Discipline that's bathed in prayer.. the kind that's coupled with biblical faith and godly character. 

Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.. or to more failure. We must choose to trust and obey, for there is no other way and this means we pray. See Romans 8:28 and Job 19.5. 

Just say it straight. Be plain and simple when it comes to prayer. There's really no need to get all fancy-schmanzy. Yes, when you've had more than you can stand.. kneel. Jesus did it and He talked about it a lot... 

"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words." Matt. 6.7-9

When life not only looks impossible, but actually is impossible....it's time to pray. Ceasing to fret or to worry or to gripe is good.. ceasing to hate men or women, or to be lethargic, apathetic, or un-alert spiritually is also good.. ceasing to be passive, dull, dim, asleep in the night or in the light..that's good.. ceasing to remain indifferent, or lukewarm, or worldly, or crass, or vulgar, or carnally minded..is way good.. ceasing to be unconcerned about the plight of lost people in their sins, or about others who are lonely, or guilty, or afraid or stuck with their needs that they can't solve ...is such a good thing in every case.. especially when it means we get pro-active in turning to the Lord in fervent prayer for them. Do you only pray for yourself or your own family. Be enlarged in your heart for people. Be like the Lord who loved to get away to pray. We all can do this today.  

Visit and like: facebook.com/shareJesus or at G+