Many of us pray.. some.

Did you know one in five so called believers pray and say they see responses from God. God wants all to be born again and have responses from him in prayer. 

I don’t like pestilences, do you? It’s a good day to earnestly pray in these last days. Have you wondered.. is Covid 19 one sign of End Times? I say yes. 

Today we are seeing labor pains on earth happening closer and closer to each other now. Stronger and closer together. Didn’t Jesus warn us of these birth pains? Sure he did...   

"And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven." Luke 21:11

Did you know that the first disciples of Jesus needed help with prayer. They asked him for guidance in this. 

“Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1

What do I say on this? 

Have faith in God. Ask in the name of Jesus (learn, apply, know deep down in your knower what that means..) and it shall be given to you. Christ gave us stunning prayer promises and he also set the example for us in praying to the Father.

Often short, to the point, from friend to Friend, for a two way conversational time, heart to Heart.. simply ask, request, petition him.

We pray to stay ..sober, centered, off what’s not clean and pure, or outta the red and solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is strained or falling apart. We pray...some, but the Spirit can woo us, can draw us closer. 

But wouldn’t we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?

Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.

We aren’t the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn’t we use the same?

Take the wonderful journey of faith today. Yes, to God.. to the very heart of God the Father via biblical prayer voiced in the name of Jesus his loving Son. He offers you hope for doubts, confidence, and forgiveness.

He understands and is for all impatient prayer wimps like me.

Prayer is not a privilege merely for the pious and stiff religious nor the art of a chosen few. It’s for all who will turn, trust and humble themselves for this great relationship. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child, between Jesus the groom and his bride. Let simple honest conversation begin..or begin again. It's a close relationship thang. 

See the whole context. Have a tender heart (instead of a hard or worldly heart) and say, Lord, I turn, I trust, I come to you and I'm willing to be changed. Please change me into what you want me to be.  

People need hope today. God (our living hope) encourages us to come to him as we are.. as we are yet willing to be changed. Do ya enjoy..would you stop to listen and pray the word. Would you pause to thank, to wholeheartedly praise, to biblically worship the living word? Christ's arms are open wide for you. 

I hope you never die from Covid 19, or from any pestilence. Are you prepared to die -- we all will reach room temperature if Christ doesn’t return for us first. Hey, you can know with certainty that you will go to heaven when you die. You can have an assurance inside. I dare you.. know him well, and from there make him well known. 

1 John 5:15 - And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

1 John 5:16 - If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that.

1 Chronicles 16:11 - Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

2 Chronicles 6:21 - Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.

2 Chronicles 7:14 - 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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Ephesians 1:18 - I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,

Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Jeremiah 29:12 - Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Job 22:27 - You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows.

John 17:15 - My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

James 5:13 - Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

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

Matthew 5:44 - But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 6:7 - And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

Matthew 26:41 - Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Proverbs 15:8 - The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

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

Psalm 102:17 - He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.

Psalm 141:2 - May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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

Psalm 4:1 - Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

Psalm 145:18 - The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Luke 11:2-4 - 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.’”

Proverbs 15:29 - The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Matthew 6:9-13 - This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.’

Matthew 7:11 - If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Luke 6:12 - One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

Luke 18:1 - Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Romans 8:26 - In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 4:2 - Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray continually,

1 Timothy 2:8 - Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

Hebrews 4:14 - Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

James 1:7 - That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

James 4:3 - When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 - I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Facebook.com/shareJesus .. Fish4souls.org

Got ears to hear and eyes to see? Got a moment to draw apart.. to wait on the Lord? You probably will this week.

Should we like.. keep the Good News of God's salvation to ourselves until we each are perfect? Nope, cuz there'll be none to win to Christ in heaven. 

We indeed want to appropriate God's power to grow while here -- to walk it and talk it. Yep, it is our duty, believer, to go tell others about how God wants a relationship with all of us ..here while we can. Pray and decide to go tactfully share the Good News today! Obedience will help with that perfecting. 

You might be watching the Super Bowl right now and not see this until Monday. That's cool. I'm with some friends (with half my voice back now after that wicked flu..) who are playing the game in the background. Not really feelin' so NFL motivated personally this year, but last time I checked the screen the Eagles were leading 15 to 3. 

Remember, when you get a chance this week, draw apart to seek, to hear from and to wait on the Lord. He will indeed inspire you and meet all of your needs. He promised to. Yes, be encouraged to rengage in ministry first upwards and then outwards. I want you and others totally blessed. 

Jesus said, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33 

We seek Jesus cuz we love Him and want closeness with Christ. We want to know and worship Him. We want to bless Him most and do His will as well. You already know that as you and I biblically grow closer to the Word of God, Jesus opens our eyes to see more and more of His awesome presence all around you/us daily. You know He's never been lazy, distracted or indifferent regarding blessing you -- regarding His great plan for you. He’s working diligently and said He’ll never leave you or forsake you. God is transforming us into the image of His dear Son..yep, in His good will. 

How priceless, how rad-valuable is God’s unfailing Love you-ward! How wonderful it is spending time alone with Him. What motivates us more? I can't think of anything can you? 

In fact as you pause and make time to wait with the Lord in His word, He will refresh you -- He'll work for you ...while you wait.

The Bible says, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Let's be all in. He's been all in for us -- sure Christ has, just look at the Cross. Let's draw even closer in 2018. Come to Jesus again and again when you are hurtin’ or in need, and listen He will share your pain. With the same comfort we receive from Him we can give this comfort away. 

Many get mad at God, and refuse to wait. They run from Him and from His healthy Christian church when they have problems or hurt inside. You've seen them and talked with them. Me too. But let's set an example and do the opposite. Run in the right direction. Be quick to go to God. 

Jesus knows your address and He can still comfort or heal people. He can touch you and others through you! He hasn't changed not even a smidgen. He's so there for you today!  

God sees you and those waiting for the Gospel that He can use you to reach. You know His promises are still true. You know His Great Commission is still the greatest mission! Others are waiting to hear about Jesus. He loves you and them so much He can't take His eyes off of us. He intercedes for us and tell us to go tell. So what are we waiting for. It's a new week with new life!

His eyes range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Do you really know Him in a personal way today? Come as you are right now.

Waiting doesn't have to be boring. Can you think of a person you really wouldn’t mind waitin’ with? I’m sure you could. Doesn’t have to be in vain.

His eyes range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Do you really know Him in a personal way today? Come as you are right now.

Facebook.com/shareJesus

Warte mal...

Yeah, ‪‎Christmas‬ season is kind of about waiting.. too. 

Not a bad thing. Don't waste your waiting moments. 

I dare you to pray for those in line in front of you, or behind. Be a witness and not weary in waiting or in well doin'. The Lord is with you there in the middle of it--Emanuel. He is patient. Seems like I wait a whole lot...

..in thick traffic,
at the microwave,
in the checkout line etc.

You know exactly what I'm talkin' about. See 9/6-7isaiah ‪#‎700yrs‬ ‪#‎worththewait‬ 5/2micah

How much of human life is lost in waiting? –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. #37/34psalm

Don't waste your sorrows, or trials, or pausing in a traffic-jam.. during all those Christmas and New Years moments.

You and I often have people around us.. that might need someone to talk with. Many have loved ones and family far FAR away from them. I dare ya to intercede for peoples or individuals of other Lands and for those you meet. Opt to show Christ's love, to listen.

The Lord is with you there in the middle of it all--Emanuel. He is patient and we can also be as we look for His second Advent. kurtwvs.tumblr.com

Be Before You Do, Wait Before You Go, Hear Before You Say!

What you BECOME on this earth matters far more than what you DO on earth.  

In becoming what Christ wants us to be, do we gain godly character, stature, peace, victory and the fruit of the Spirit (which is Love) by merely doing, doing, doing.. more work? Naww. Do we become spiritually balanced, anointed and mature by pushing, pushing, pushing? No no! On the other hand do we appropriate the good things of God by opting to be lazy or never applying the Scriptures. Huh, a thousand times no!!! Oh yes it does matter what you become, but please don’t get me wrong here. What you do and say each day (including your motives, thoughts, inner spirit and attitudes behind all that..) is very important to God for sure and it does involve attentive listening and obeying. No time for having a hard heart! Becoming a person of God is imperative for you (and me)! You are indeed gunna take your character and personal relationship with Christ on to heaven with you believer (as well as many of your willing friends ..hopefully..by faith) even though you'll leave all your dusty medals and treasured certificates all behind. Will it be sad? On the contrary, IT WILL BE RAD-EXCITING TO BE CAUGHT AWAY LEAVING THE JUNK OF THIS WORLD BEHIND!

Christian, what you won’t be taking along with you is your position, your six digit income (or whatever level of pay you're compensated with..), your career, your corner office with that comfy tall leather executive chair, that super cool downtown view, your social status or your temporal shinny trophies. News Flash.. all your stuff and your degrees are non-transferable. We live in an accomplishment, doing, success orientated society and that's the reason why we all need to be extra careful about our busyness and horizontal commitments today. 

    

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall BE WITNESSES to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." ~Acts 1:8 (emphasis mine)

“He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.” ~ Psalm 147:10-11

“You ARE My witnesses,’ says the Lord, ‘And My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me.” ~Isaiah 43:10

Christian, do you feel like a hero or a zero in God’s Kingdom today? Do you feel like a second class citizen today when you see all that some other minister is doing for the Lord?  Cheer up, you ain’t! Quit comparing yourself with other believers. You are not there to compete with them.

Why would you feel like a hero if it’s God who gets the credit for the great accomplishments His servants do in God’s empowering grace? Why would you feel like a zero if God’s Word teaches that your great value and identity are not tied up in what you do for Him? Cheer up, He simply asks that you remain faithful and obedient to Him.

Don’t let any Christian, (including me..) or any well-meaning pastor pressure you into more service unto Christ, or put condemnation on you for not doing enough. If you really don’t want to do it, or give, then don’t. God’s purposes will be accomplished. He doesn’t need you, me or what we can give Him. Salvation is of the Lord, and us bringing closure on the Great Commission is mainly his deal. We are privileged to be a part of it.. if we like. That’s why we can experience JOY ..and don’t ever need to become burned out in Him. If we get burned out, it’s because we took upon ourselves something He never intended for us to take.

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me (Jesus), for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” ~Matthew 11:28-29

Jesus must remain your Lord and first love, not another person. Let Christ lead you and as you continue to seek Him and His Kingdom first, then guess what.. He will bless you and give you the desire to serve in the areas that He wants you in.

Ministry at church can become an idol if you are not careful, but why become a workaholic with leanness of soul ..for God.. just because you want to stay in good graces with some workaholic flawed human leader who insists upon forming you into his own image, instead of letting God form you into Christ’s image?

Prioritizing God first does not mean putting your relationship with God along with your full or part-time ministry work for God ..first. Your relationship with Him comes first, your spouse comes second and your children come third! Your worship of the Lord is to come before all your service for the Lord. Of course there will be times when you will worship Jesus as you serve with Him in practical ways. Pray without ceasing!

 “But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed…” ~Luke 10:40-42

"There is too much working before men and too little waiting before God. There is more and more motion and less and less unction!" ~A. Redpath

He who would talk to men about God, would do well, to first talk to God about men!

Before there was Holy Spirit empowering in the upper room for the Jesus team who wanted to go preach the Gospel, there was waiting on the Holy Spirit in the upper room!

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord! ~Psalm 27:14

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” ~Isaiah 40:31

At any given moment you are either abiding in Christ the living Word and wonder worker, or you are striving in the flesh to get it all done so that perhaps you can please Him. We are to work hard and be diligent as unto Him when He leads us to work. But you were saved by faith. You weren’t saved by good works, so why trust in working hard until you drop just to gain you extra bonus grace or brownie points upstairs?

“Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” ~Galatians 3:3 

    

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” ~John 15:4-8

All believers are witnesses whether they like it or not.. good or bad witnesses ..depending on their vertical trust and obedience to Christ. Every Christian is a representative for God—good or bad. Which type will you opt to be today? Separation unto the Lord typically comes before a visitation of the Lord. Please take the time to pray and hear from Him.

Fish4Souls.org