FINISH WELL

I just received this in an email from a dear friend and brother in our Lord. I thought it a fitting closer to the year two-thousand-fifteen and a brilliant opener to two-thousand-sixteen. As the Apostle Paul alluded to in his writings, U.S. Army Brigadier General Michael Ferguson brings to the present a message on the importance to FINISH WELL:

In an age of so little perseverance I find these words are ringing in my ears like the background music on an elevator. Fight the good fight; keep the faith; finish the race.
I can't count how many times I heard Pastor Arnold Lastinger speak these words of challenge into my life. As a young man with no experience I probably rolled my eyes, but as time has passed this holy background music has become more like the soundtrack of a timeless movie. (Yes, I downloaded the Star Wars movie score in anticipation of Episode VII. Thank you, John Williams.)
On December 8th, Pastor Lastinger went absent from the body and present with the Lord. What a soul-marking moment it was for me, as I watched him worship until the end, using his dying breath and waning strength to lift his hands to the God he longed for.
Several days later I flew to Mississippi where I spent time with another one of my heroes, John Perkins. Due to his age and health concerns his daughter makes clear that he needs boundaries on his schedule. Yet when he starts talking about Jesus and justice and the greatness of God, he just won't stop. I'm serious. One night, after hours of conversation, I had to plead with him to go home and go to bed, as it was approaching 10:00. As we finished, he invited me to be a part of the Bible study he was leading the next day. At 5:30 the next morning. I've never heard of a Bible study at 5:30 in the morning. But sure enough, there he was, long before the sun would rise, leading a room full of men through Romans 9. It was like watching a child opening a present on Christmas morning. Joy. Energy. Wonder. 85 years of age and he is still burning.
A week earlier, I listened as Pastor Lastinger described his peace and contentment and anticipation of heaven. "It's all true," he told me. "When I preached funerals in my 20's I thoughtI believed it. But 50 years later I realize, it's all true. And it works!" he explained with a peace I can't explain. But then I heard something else: his longing for his Savior. The closest comparison I have is like a bridegroom getting ready for his honeymoon. He was longing for Jesus. On his deathbed he was still burning.
I want to burn till the end.
In an age of so little perseverance these two men stand tall. Their voices have weight. And their entire life has become their message. Neither has tried to stay relevant, and that is part of what makes them so. Their transcendence is their relevance. Oh how it has fed my soul to be exposed to men whose lives carry such a rare grace. Some things can only be said after years. Or decades. Or a lifetime. And the only way you get this kind of gravitas is to persevere. To endure. To finish your race.
What a lesson for young leaders.
I've heard it said that it takes 20 years to make a man or woman of God. But I'm starting to think it takes a lifetime. In a culture that bows before the shrine of youth and worships to the tune of the latest one hit wonder, it becomes difficult to discern when timeless words are being written and the truest lives are being lived. But I long for this.
Did these men give me clues about how to persevere? Sure. Both would tell me stay curious. Keep learning. Figure out how to handle your pain. Set up accountability relationships to deal with temptation. But at the end of the day both of these men most fed me because their obsession with Jesus. I would meet with Pastor Lastinger seeking wisdom, and it was there. But in the middle of a lunch meeting he would break down in tears when he began to speak of Jesus. I flew to Mississippi seeking justice, and it was there. But what I found most was a man dripping with the Author of justice.
Finish well, my friend.






Happy New Year dear friends – Brother Gary

FINISH WELL

I just received this in an email from a dear friend and brother in our Lord. I thought it a fitting closer to the year two-thousand-fifteen and a brilliant opener to two-thousand-sixteen. As the Apostle Paul alluded to in his writings, U.S. Army Brigadier General Michael Ferguson brings to the present a message on the importance to FINISH WELL:

In an age of so little perseverance I find these words are ringing in my ears like the background music on an elevator. Fight the good fight; keep the faith; finish the race.
I can't count how many times I heard Pastor Arnold Lastinger speak these words of challenge into my life. As a young man with no experience I probably rolled my eyes, but as time has passed this holy background music has become more like the soundtrack of a timeless movie. (Yes, I downloaded the Star Wars movie score in anticipation of Episode VII. Thank you, John Williams.)
On December 8th, Pastor Lastinger went absent from the body and present with the Lord. What a soul-marking moment it was for me, as I watched him worship until the end, using his dying breath and waning strength to lift his hands to the God he longed for.
Several days later I flew to Mississippi where I spent time with another one of my heroes, John Perkins. Due to his age and health concerns his daughter makes clear that he needs boundaries on his schedule. Yet when he starts talking about Jesus and justice and the greatness of God, he just won't stop. I'm serious. One night, after hours of conversation, I had to plead with him to go home and go to bed, as it was approaching 10:00. As we finished, he invited me to be a part of the Bible study he was leading the next day. At 5:30 the next morning. I've never heard of a Bible study at 5:30 in the morning. But sure enough, there he was, long before the sun would rise, leading a room full of men through Romans 9. It was like watching a child opening a present on Christmas morning. Joy. Energy. Wonder. 85 years of age and he is still burning.
A week earlier, I listened as Pastor Lastinger described his peace and contentment and anticipation of heaven. "It's all true," he told me. "When I preached funerals in my 20's I thought I believed it. But 50 years later I realize, it's all true. And it works!" he explained with a peace I can't explain. But then I heard something else: his longing for his Savior. The closest comparison I have is like a bridegroom getting ready for his honeymoon. He was longing for Jesus. On his deathbed he was still burning.
I want to burn till the end.
In an age of so little perseverance these two men stand tall. Their voices have weight. And their entire life has become their message. Neither has tried to stay relevant, and that is part of what makes them so. Their transcendence is their relevance. Oh how it has fed my soul to be exposed to men whose lives carry such a rare grace. Some things can only be said after years. Or decades. Or a lifetime. And the only way you get this kind of gravitas is to persevere. To endure. To finish your race.
What a lesson for young leaders.
I've heard it said that it takes 20 years to make a man or woman of God. But I'm starting to think it takes a lifetime. In a culture that bows before the shrine of youth and worships to the tune of the latest one hit wonder, it becomes difficult to discern when timeless words are being written and the truest lives are being lived. But I long for this.
Did these men give me clues about how to persevere? Sure. Both would tell me stay curious. Keep learning. Figure out how to handle your pain. Set up accountability relationships to deal with temptation. But at the end of the day both of these men most fed me because their obsession with Jesus. I would meet with Pastor Lastinger seeking wisdom, and it was there. But in the middle of a lunch meeting he would break down in tears when he began to speak of Jesus. I flew to Mississippi seeking justice, and it was there. But what I found most was a man dripping with the Author of justice.
Finish well, my friend.






Happy New Year dear friends – Brother Gary

HIS BIRTH AND OUR NEW BIRTH
Oswald Chambers/ My Utmost for His highest




His Birth in History. “…that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of— He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate— God coming into human flesh from outside it. His life is the highest and the holiest entering through the most humble of doors. Our Lord’s birth was an advent— the appearance of God in human form.

His Birth in Me. “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19). Just as our Lord came into human history from outside it, He must also come into me from outside. Have I allowed my personal human life to become a “Bethlehem” for the Son of God? I cannot enter the realm of the kingdom of God unless I am born again from above by a birth totally unlike physical birth. “You must be born again” (John 3:7). This is not a command, but a fact based on the authority of God. The evidence of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that “Christ is formed” in me. And once “Christ is formed” in me, His nature immediately begins to work through me.

God Evident in the Flesh. This is what is made so profoundly possible for you and for me through the redemption of man by Jesus Christ. 

HIS BIRTH AND OUR NEW BIRTH
Oswald Chambers/ My Utmost for His highest




His Birth in History. “…that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of— He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate— God coming into human flesh from outside it. His life is the highest and the holiest entering through the most humble of doors. Our Lord’s birth was an advent— the appearance of God in human form.

His Birth in Me. “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19). Just as our Lord came into human history from outside it, He must also come into me from outside. Have I allowed my personal human life to become a “Bethlehem” for the Son of God? I cannot enter the realm of the kingdom of God unless I am born again from above by a birth totally unlike physical birth. “You must be born again” (John 3:7). This is not a command, but a fact based on the authority of God. The evidence of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that “Christ is formed” in me. And once “Christ is formed” in me, His nature immediately begins to work through me.

God Evident in the Flesh. This is what is made so profoundly possible for you and for me through the redemption of man by Jesus Christ. 

Born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

(Luk 2:1) Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.

(Luk 2:2) This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

(Luk 2:3) And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.

(Luk 2:4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;

(Luk 2:5) to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.

(Luk 2:6) And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered.

(Luk 2:7) And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

(Luk 2:8) And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.

(Luk 2:9) And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

(Luk 2:10) And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:

(Luk 2:11) for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

(Luk 2:12) And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.

(Luk 2:13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

(Luk 2:14) Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.

(Luk 2:15) And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

(Luk 2:16) And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

(Luk 2:17) And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child.

(Luk 2:18) And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.

(Luk 2:19) But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

(Luk 2:20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

May the Blessings of the Christ, Jesus, be with each of you in celebration of this wondrous season and time, AMEN

Born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

(Luk 2:1) Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.

(Luk 2:2) This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

(Luk 2:3) And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.

(Luk 2:4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;

(Luk 2:5) to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.

(Luk 2:6) And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered.

(Luk 2:7) And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

(Luk 2:8) And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.

(Luk 2:9) And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

(Luk 2:10) And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:

(Luk 2:11) for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

(Luk 2:12) And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.

(Luk 2:13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

(Luk 2:14) Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.

(Luk 2:15) And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

(Luk 2:16) And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

(Luk 2:17) And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child.

(Luk 2:18) And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.

(Luk 2:19) But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

(Luk 2:20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

May the Blessings of the Christ, Jesus, be with each of you in celebration of this wondrous season and time, AMEN

In Prison

(Mat 25:36) I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'

Under bitingly cold skies, the sun began to rise. Seven men stood at the gate of the prison, one by one being processed and cleared for what would be a contradiction to my mind and to my soul. In the rising sunlight, the compound took on an eerie quality, morning fog wafting by the guard towers. Even the concertina wire sparkled as another day was being ushered in. We seven silently fell into a line and followed the yellow painted stripe on the walk to the prison chapel. I am certain that each of us was reciting our own personal prayers for His blessing, protection, and that the Holy Spirit would guide us all. What followed became contradictory to my fleshly senses and a scene I shall not forget for a very long time.

Here assembled 20 or more men, who, by their own designs made choices that resulted in freedoms being withdrawn and they being cast into punishment for the decisions made. These men were graduates of the KAIROS program, a tailored evangelical path that leads the prisoners to walk a path where upon God may draw them and they be afforded the Grace and Mercy promised through Christ Jesus when confessed aloud and receive salvation.

Our “Brothers in Blue” demonstrated this day what they each have gained through the KAIROS program, now fully able to organize, prepare and conduct their own chapel services, minister one to another, actually operate a home-church not unlike the churches held in private homes during the time of the Apostles. This one being behind bars, out of sight, out of mind.

I was woefully unprepared for what I witnessed today. Society can be cruel to the point of removing entirely the human from the man who is in prison. Certainly the crimes committed justify the penalty, but we as God fearing, Jesus serving ministers of the Gospel must never, ever second guess our Lord in how and when He forgives the transgressor. Just as Jesus loves the sinner, He hates the sin. Today we celebrated with men, creations of God, and praised Him on high for saving wretches like us.

From the opening devotion, to the hymns sung with joy, hearing the testimonies, seeing the glow of the Holy Spirit and the benediction at the close, Oh My God, Praise you, Praise you, Praise you!

Prison is a place filled with bad actors, career criminals, doers of terrible crimes. Prison is filled with those who must be separated from the whole and, pay the price for their wrongs. But, as I learned today, prison is a place where the hand of Almighty God can be seen in the open, that wondrous Light by which the blind might see. Thank-you Jesus, Thank-you Father, Thank-you Holy Spirit for allowing me to see with my eyes and understand with my heart the power of Grace and Forgiveness that only God can grant, AMEN.

In Prison

(Mat 25:36) I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'

Under bitingly cold skies, the sun began to rise. Seven men stood at the gate of the prison, one by one being processed and cleared for what would be a contradiction to my mind and to my soul. In the rising sunlight, the compound took on an eerie quality, morning fog wafting by the guard towers. Even the concertina wire sparkled as another day was being ushered in. We seven silently fell into a line and followed the yellow painted stripe on the walk to the prison chapel. I am certain that each of us was reciting our own personal prayers for His blessing, protection, and that the Holy Spirit would guide us all. What followed became contradictory to my fleshly senses and a scene I shall not forget for a very long time.

Here assembled 20 or more men, who, by their own designs made choices that resulted in freedoms being withdrawn and they being cast into punishment for the decisions made. These men were graduates of the KAIROS program, a tailored evangelical path that leads the prisoners to walk a path where upon God may draw them and they be afforded the Grace and Mercy promised through Christ Jesus when confessed aloud and receive salvation.

Our “Brothers in Blue” demonstrated this day what they each have gained through the KAIROS program, now fully able to organize, prepare and conduct their own chapel services, minister one to another, actually operate a home-church not unlike the churches held in private homes during the time of the Apostles. This one being behind bars, out of sight, out of mind.

I was woefully unprepared for what I witnessed today. Society can be cruel to the point of removing entirely the human from the man who is in prison. Certainly the crimes committed justify the penalty, but we as God fearing, Jesus serving ministers of the Gospel must never, ever second guess our Lord in how and when He forgives the transgressor. Just as Jesus loves the sinner, He hates the sin. Today we celebrated with men, creations of God, and praised Him on high for saving wretches like us.

From the opening devotion, to the hymns sung with joy, hearing the testimonies, seeing the glow of the Holy Spirit and the benediction at the close, Oh My God, Praise you, Praise you, Praise you!

Prison is a place filled with bad actors, career criminals, doers of terrible crimes. Prison is filled with those who must be separated from the whole and, pay the price for their wrongs. But, as I learned today, prison is a place where the hand of Almighty God can be seen in the open, that wondrous Light by which the blind might see. Thank-you Jesus, Thank-you Father, Thank-you Holy Spirit for allowing me to see with my eyes and understand with my heart the power of Grace and Forgiveness that only God can grant, AMEN.

The Persecuted Church

Twelve Days of Prayer

I prayerfully ask that you join me hand in hand, prayer in heart with Christians United for the Persecuted Church adding these global locations to your prayers for the next twelve days.

The horrors for our Believing brothers and sisters and their children is far from our shores. Despite the great distance, we are directly connected with these persecuted souls spiritually through Christ Jesus. Please add the following locations to your prayers asking God to protect, bless and rescue those who would perish at the hands of Satan's followers for their belief and faith in Almighty God and His only begotten son, Christ Jesus:

Dec 13 Pakistan

Dec 14 Gaza

Dec 15 Nigeria

Dec 16 Iraq

Dec 17 Sudan

Dec 18 Iran

Dec 19 Saudi Arabia

Dec 20 Syria

Dec 21 Eritrea

Dec 22 Maldives

Dec 23 Libya

Dec 24 Yemen

One last request, please also add Israel to your on-going prayers! God Bless you each and every one.

The Persecuted Church

Twelve Days of Prayer

I prayerfully ask that you join me hand in hand, prayer in heart with Christians United for the Persecuted Church adding these global locations to your prayers for the next twelve days.

The horrors for our Believing brothers and sisters and their children is far from our shores. Despite the great distance, we are directly connected with these persecuted souls spiritually through Christ Jesus. Please add the following locations to your prayers asking God to protect, bless and rescue those who would perish at the hands of Satan's followers for their belief and faith in Almighty God and His only begotten son, Christ Jesus:

Dec 13 Pakistan

Dec 14 Gaza

Dec 15 Nigeria

Dec 16 Iraq

Dec 17 Sudan

Dec 18 Iran

Dec 19 Saudi Arabia

Dec 20 Syria

Dec 21 Eritrea

Dec 22 Maldives

Dec 23 Libya

Dec 24 Yemen

One last request, please also add Israel to your on-going prayers! God Bless you each and every one.

# 141 The Old Rugged Cross

George Bennard, 1873-1960

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

Refrain

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Refrain

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

Refrain

# 141 The Old Rugged Cross

George Bennard, 1873-1960

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

Refrain

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Refrain

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.

Refrain

My Sins, My Sins, My Savior

John S.B. Monsell, 1863

My sins, my sins, my Savior!
They take such hold on me,
I am not able to look up,
Save only, Christ, on Thee;
In Thee is all forgiveness,
In Thee abundant grace,
My shadow and my sunshine
The brightness of Thy face.

My sins, my sins, my Savior!
How sad on Thee they fall;
Seen through Thy gentle patience,
I tenfold feel them all;
I know they are forgiven,
But still, their pain to me
Is all the grief and anguish
They laid, my Lord, on Thee.

My sins, my sins, my Savior!
Their guilt I never knew
Till with Thee in the desert
I near Thy passion drew;
Till with Thee in the garden
I heard Thy pleading prayer,
And saw the sweat-drops bloody
That told Thy sorrow there.

Therefore my songs, my Savior,
E’en in this time of woe,
Shall tell of all Thy goodness
To suff’ring man below;
Thy goodness and Thy favor,
Whose presence from above
Rejoice those hearts, my Savior,
That live in Thee and love.

My Sins, My Sins, My Savior

John S.B. Monsell, 1863

My sins, my sins, my Savior!
They take such hold on me,
I am not able to look up,
Save only, Christ, on Thee;
In Thee is all forgiveness,
In Thee abundant grace,
My shadow and my sunshine
The brightness of Thy face.

My sins, my sins, my Savior!
How sad on Thee they fall;
Seen through Thy gentle patience,
I tenfold feel them all;
I know they are forgiven,
But still, their pain to me
Is all the grief and anguish
They laid, my Lord, on Thee.

My sins, my sins, my Savior!
Their guilt I never knew
Till with Thee in the desert
I near Thy passion drew;
Till with Thee in the garden
I heard Thy pleading prayer,
And saw the sweat-drops bloody
That told Thy sorrow there.

Therefore my songs, my Savior,
E’en in this time of woe,
Shall tell of all Thy goodness
To suff’ring man below;
Thy goodness and Thy favor,
Whose presence from above
Rejoice those hearts, my Savior,
That live in Thee and love.

A Prayer to God in Turbulent Times

(Psa 43:1) Vindicate me, O God, And plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!

(Psa 43:2) For You are the God of my strength; Why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

(Psa 43:3) Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your tabernacle.

(Psa 43:4) Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.

(Psa 43:5) Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. AMEN.

A Prayer to God in Turbulent Times

(Psa 43:1) Vindicate me, O God, And plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!

(Psa 43:2) For You are the God of my strength; Why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

(Psa 43:3) Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your tabernacle.

(Psa 43:4) Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.

(Psa 43:5) Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. AMEN.

Teach me how to pray

This question was a recurring theme for me personally in the first year or so after I was saved. There were many examples of prayer, long, short, loud, quiet, lots of words, very few words, on your knees, standing, face up, face down, hands up, hands folded. Wow. Prayer certainly seemed complicated, or so I thought. If you violate any of these, supposed rules, did that mean that God would not hear your prayer? A friend of mine used to brag about spending two hours a day in heavy prayer. Two hours? Heavy prayer? What in the world is Heavy Prayer?? If I spend only 10 minutes in prayer, does that mean I am going to hell?

Lets see if we can unravel some of the mystery of prayer. What is prayer? Prayer is direct communication with Almighty God through Jesus Christ. Prayer is dialog between you, the created, and God, the Creator. Prayer is personal. Prayer is sincere. Prayer can be silent, spoken, even cried. YOUR prayer has the capability of triggering the awesome and tremendous power universal in the very Word of God. Prayer is a really big deal. Prayer is the language of the spirit.

In Matthew Chapter Six, Jesus explains the basics to His apostles. Starting in verse five Jesus teaches: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” Jesus continues in verses six through eight; But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

What follows in verses 9 – 13 became the most often spoken and most beloved prayer of all time;

"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.

'For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, AMEN.”

When you pray, be yourself, open your heart and speak to God with the love and respect due to a Father, our Father, He who created you!

There are books galore all espousing the ideal way, the effective prose, the best arrangement, giving you the best bang for your buck in prayer. Here is my tip. Just tell Him what is on your mind. Share your feelings, hopes, fears, expectations. Ask for what you need. (notice I said what you need......not what you want...) Never be afraid to ask for whatever you have on your mind and in your heart. If God does not agree with your request, it just won't happen.

Before you pray, try and organize your thoughts a bit. I suggest opening the prayer time with praise. Praise Him for his patience, His Majesty, His Mercy or His wondrous power. Thank Him for the breath of life, for your family, for your success. Fancy words are not necessary. God made you, remember? He truly loves to hear your voice and is always interested in that which interferes with His communication with you. Pause once in a while and just listen. Listen for that ever soft small voice from deep inside you. Many say it is much like hearing your own conscience speaking. If it is from God, it is always uplifting, beneficial, and always points to goodness and mercy. Most of all, be honest and be yourself. Don't fret about how much time you devote to prayer. Just pray. In closing your prayer, thank your Lord Jesus for His intercession, and His horrible sacrifice for all of us, each one a sinner, saved through His blood on the cross.

You can pray anywhere and in any circumstance. No batteries needed. As your day progresses, don't be afraid to quietly update Him on what you are doing, how you are feeling, ask Him if you can do something for His glory today. You will be amazed at the opportunities He will place in your path. When it happens, when He delivers an opportunity to you, and you recognize and react, it truly is one of the best feelings you will ever experience. Ever!

Lets Pray!

Teach me how to pray

This question was a recurring theme for me personally in the first year or so after I was saved. There were many examples of prayer, long, short, loud, quiet, lots of words, very few words, on your knees, standing, face up, face down, hands up, hands folded. Wow. Prayer certainly seemed complicated, or so I thought. If you violate any of these, supposed rules, did that mean that God would not hear your prayer? A friend of mine used to brag about spending two hours a day in heavy prayer. Two hours? Heavy prayer? What in the world is Heavy Prayer?? If I spend only 10 minutes in prayer, does that mean I am going to hell?

Lets see if we can unravel some of the mystery of prayer. What is prayer? Prayer is direct communication with Almighty God through Jesus Christ. Prayer is dialog between you, the created, and God, the Creator. Prayer is personal. Prayer is sincere. Prayer can be silent, spoken, even cried. YOUR prayer has the capability of triggering the awesome and tremendous power universal in the very Word of God. Prayer is a really big deal. Prayer is the language of the spirit.

In Matthew Chapter Six, Jesus explains the basics to His apostles. Starting in verse five Jesus teaches: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” Jesus continues in verses six through eight; But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

What follows in verses 9 – 13 became the most often spoken and most beloved prayer of all time;

"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.

'For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, AMEN.”

When you pray, be yourself, open your heart and speak to God with the love and respect due to a Father, our Father, He who created you!

There are books galore all espousing the ideal way, the effective prose, the best arrangement, giving you the best bang for your buck in prayer. Here is my tip. Just tell Him what is on your mind. Share your feelings, hopes, fears, expectations. Ask for what you need. (notice I said what you need......not what you want...) Never be afraid to ask for whatever you have on your mind and in your heart. If God does not agree with your request, it just won't happen.

Before you pray, try and organize your thoughts a bit. I suggest opening the prayer time with praise. Praise Him for his patience, His Majesty, His Mercy or His wondrous power. Thank Him for the breath of life, for your family, for your success. Fancy words are not necessary. God made you, remember? He truly loves to hear your voice and is always interested in that which interferes with His communication with you. Pause once in a while and just listen. Listen for that ever soft small voice from deep inside you. Many say it is much like hearing your own conscience speaking. If it is from God, it is always uplifting, beneficial, and always points to goodness and mercy. Most of all, be honest and be yourself. Don't fret about how much time you devote to prayer. Just pray. In closing your prayer, thank your Lord Jesus for His intercession, and His horrible sacrifice for all of us, each one a sinner, saved through His blood on the cross.

You can pray anywhere and in any circumstance. No batteries needed. As your day progresses, don't be afraid to quietly update Him on what you are doing, how you are feeling, ask Him if you can do something for His glory today. You will be amazed at the opportunities He will place in your path. When it happens, when He delivers an opportunity to you, and you recognize and react, it truly is one of the best feelings you will ever experience. Ever!

Lets Pray!

Two burglars come down a chimney----Accidental Talmudist

A young man knocks on the door of a great Talmudic scholar.

"Rabbi, I wish to study Talmud."

“Do you know Aramaic?”

“No."

“Hebrew?”

“No."

“Have you ever studied Torah?”

“No, Rabbi, but I graduated from Harvard summa cum laude in philosophy, and received a PhD from Yale. I'd like to round out my education with a bit of Talmud.”

“I doubt that you are ready for Talmud. It is the broadest and deepest of books. If you wish, however, I will examine you in logic, and if you pass the test I will teach you Talmud.”

"Good. I'm well versed in logic."

"First question. Two burglars come down a chimney. One emerges with a clean face, the other with a dirty face. Which one washes his face?”

”The burglar with the dirty face."

“Wrong. The one with the clean face. Examine the logic. The burglar with a dirty face looks at the one with a clean face and thinks his face is clean. The one with a clean face looks at the burglar with a dirty face and thinks his face is dirty. So the one with the clean face washes.”

“Very clever. Another question please.”

“Two burglars come down a chimney. One emerges with a clean face, the other with a dirty face. Which one washes his face?”

“We established that. The burglar with the clean face washes.”

“Wrong. Both wash. Examine the logic. The one with a dirty face thinks his face is clean. The one with a clean face thinks his face is dirty. So the burglar with a clean face washes. When the one with a dirty face sees him washing, however, he realizes his face must be dirty too. Thus both wash.”

“I didn’t think of that. Please ask me another.”

“Two burglars come down a chimney. One emerges with a clean face, the other with a dirty face. Which one washes his face?”

“Well, we know both wash.”

“Wrong. Neither washes. Examine the logic. The one with the dirty face thinks his face is clean. The one with the clean face thinks his face is dirty. But when clean-face sees that dirty-face doesn’t bother to wash, he also doesn’t bother. So neither washes. As you can see, you are not ready for Talmud.”

"Rabbi, please, give me one more test.”

“Two burglars come down a chimney. One emerges with a clean face, the other with a dirty face. Which one washes his face?”

“Neither!”

“Wrong. And perhaps now you will see why Harvard and Yale cannot prepare you for Talmud. Tell me, how is it possible that two men come down the same chimney, and one emerges with a clean face, while the other has a dirty face?"

"But you've just given me four contradictory answers to the same question! That's impossible!"

"No, my son, that's Talmud."

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