Prayer Archives - Page 3 of 3 -

“Stop What You’re Doing”

Date: 01-06-15

Text: — Nehemiah 1:4 — When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Remove the distractions of the daily grind and pray.

My Thoughts:

Too many of us have very busy schedules, to be sure. We have a lot to do. But we need to take a page out of Nehemiah’s life-book: Stop what we are doing, sit down and pray!

We often excuse ourselves by saying, “Well, they were not as busy as we are today. They didn’t have as much to do.” Oh? Nehemiah was a cupbearer. He was to be at the beck and call of the king. He was possibly over the production of the wine and other drinks the king imbibed. (I do know that the prophet Daniel was super busy administering over 120 regions and their governors; and he stopped & prayed three times a day!) So this excuse doesn’t wash with the Word….

As Lifestyle worshipers we should be more than eager to pray. And sometimes we literally have to stop what we are doing and pray. Remove the distractions of the daily grind and pray. In doing this stopping, we are trusting the Lord, to Whom we pray, to take care of ‘things’ in those few moments we have a conversation with Him. He sure did for Nehemiah. And He will no less attend to your requests and intercession as well.

Now I know that some of you are still saying, “But I can’t stop. If I do, my ‘project’ will fall too far behind.” I know you are thinking this because I do—too frequently, and I know it is a very sad excuse the Lord has been trying to rip from my quiver of excuses for years. Perhaps today is the day, eh? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.

— Luke 11:2 (NIV)

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people.

— Colossians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

— Daniel 6:10 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, forgive me for feeling that my busyness is more important than seeking Your Face. I have sinned against You by this attitude. I ask the Lord Jesus Christ to bear the consequences of my actions. I ask Him to remove the pain and shame I have caused Your Name. Be that part of my Life that has been disobedient to You. I release myself into Your hands to live in the freedom of the Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Messages in Winter”

Date: 01-04-15

Text: — Nehemiah 1:1-2 — ¹The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, ²Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. ³They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates have been burned with fire. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Very sad (or even ‘bad’) news in your life—right now—can be but the prompting for a great work the LORD has prepared in advance for you to walk in.

My Thoughts:

Even when things seem the darkest and the coldest we can receive messages from the LORD. The month of Kislev (v. 1) is Nov-Dec in our calendar. The citadel of Susa is the winter palace for the King. While there, Nehemiah receives very sad news: His people are in great trouble and disgrace. Now we who know the rest of the story know that this is merely the prompting from a great work the LORD has prepared in advance for Nehemiah to walk in….

And, Lifestyle worshipers, some very sad (or even ‘bad’) news in your life—right now—can be but the prompting for a great work the LORD has prepared in advance for you to walk in. So how do you receive this news?

This is the question I ask myself, too. I know we have to read ahead to see how Nehemiah receives the news, but I truly want to be like him here. Join me in seeking the LORD’s face as we look with hope to the future through this very sad news. I cannot imagine what the LORD has in store for us? Can you?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

— Matthew 6:26 (NIV84)

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

— Ephesians 2:10 (NIV84)

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

— 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, I wait on You to lead me into the good work You have prepared in advance for me to walk in. Lord Jesus Christ, be courage in me as I take the first steps in my winter towards it. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Prayer: A Common Habit”

Date: 12-28-14

Text: — Acts 10:9 — About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Beyond New Year’s resolutions and revolutions, let us make it a common habit to pray.

My Thoughts:

As you read the above verse, prayer seems like a natural part of Peter’s life. No fanfare or special attention was made. It is stated as if it is a natural, common habit of Peter’s life: “Peter went up on the roof to prayer.”

Lifestyle worshiper: Peter was ‘caught’ several times in the Book of Acts personally praying or a part of group prayer: Acts 1:14; 3:1; 4:24-31; 8:15 just to list a few…

As we close out one year and begin a new one, perhaps you have sense the urgency to pray more. I know I have. Beyond New Year’s resolutions and revolutions, let us make it a common habit to pray: both privately and in groups. The way I understand it: Praying is to the spiritual Life as breathing is to the physical. So I guess praying is a good thing, eh?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed

— Luke 5:16 (NIV84)

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

— Luke 11:1 (NIV84)

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

— Luke 22:31-32 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, burn in my soul a passion to pray. Direct me by Your Holy Spirit to the topics of prayer from praise to intersession. May I humbly seek Your Face through Your Son’s empowerment. In His Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Identify Your Support Team”

Date: 12-10-14

Text: — Luke 1:39-45 — ³⁹At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, ⁴⁰ where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴² In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! ⁴³ But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵ Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” [NIV84]

The Big Idea: I know you have at least one member of your support team.

My Thoughts:

When Mary’s life entered a rather strange winter, she sought out a strong support team. The winter she entered was strange because it started with a ‘joyous’ promise through a heavenly messenger. She humbly and graciously accepted the news, but it would plunge her into a 9 month winter. She needed a support team. …

Lifestyle worshipers, have you identified your support team in your winter? A close friend or relative, like Mary had in Elizabeth? I know you have at least one member of your support team: Our faithful Lord, who sends His messengers to convict others that you need support during your winter. Yes, the Lord sent Joseph an angelic dream to convince Him that Mary was truly a godly young girl and that she was being used as a vessel for His Holy Son (see Matt. 1:20-21 below).

Oh, one final thought: Are you part of someone’s support team? They really do need you in their winter. Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

But after [Joseph] had considered [putting Mary away quietly], an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

— Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV84)

Who is the one to condemn? It is the Messiah Jesus who is interceding on our behalf. He died, and more importantly, has been raised and is seated at the right hand of God.

— Romans 8:34 (ISV)

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

— 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, I praise You for being part of my support team during my winter. May I be as faithful as You in supporting those You have placed in my life whose winters are long and cold. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“What Would Your Last Breath Be?”

NOTE: As I wrote this devotion, I could not help think of the tragic death of Eric Garner. This was not my first thought, however. I was writing on praising the LORD and my first think was of Psalm 30:5 quoted below. As I wrote, Eric’s tragic death came to mind. Sorrow over this terrible situation engulf my heart as I thought about his family, especially his daughter. I in no way mean any disrespect to Eric or his family by this devotion. Although I have faced moments where I could not breath, these in no way compare to his loss. I cannot imagine the sorrow and grief his family is experiencing. Please join me in praying for his family, and please read this devotion in the light it is intended: to praise the LORD. Peace.

Devotion Title: “What Would Your Last Breath Be?”

Date: 12-09-14

Text: — Psalm 30:5 — For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. [NKJV]

The Big Idea: What would my last words be, especially if I couldn’t breath.

My Thoughts:

Growing up in a brand new suburb, the neighborhood kids would go down to the creek to play. One day we discovered some huge drainage pipes. I got up on top of them as we trying to separated two of them, let them roll back and, “Clang” together. Right before one “clang” I fell in between them and was being crushed. The guys said I was turning pretty blue; obviously I couldn’t breathe. Tom, an older boy we hung with, strained to push the pipes apart, as he called the others to help. Not sure what happened, except that he saved my life—obviously….

I have often thought about that incident and wonder know as a Christian, what would my last words be, especially if I couldn’t breath. Now this may seem oxymoronic because we need to breathe to speak, but do we need to breathe to praise? I suppose not.

Lifestyle worshipers, do you remember our Lord Jesus’ last breaths on the cross, as His chest crushed under the load of our sins? I believe His last words were praise to His Heavenly Father: The two last words I am most grateful for are: “Father, forgive them they know not what they do,” and “It is finished.”

What would your last words be? Have you thought about it before? Perhaps with a gush of Grace they will be praise. Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

— Acts 7:59-60 (NIV84)

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

— Psalm 150:6 (NASB95)

Lord Jesus Christ, may words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart be pleasing to You. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“What does it look like to Resist the Devil?”

Date: 11-09-14

Text: — James 4:7-10 — ⁷Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: “But with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

My Thoughts:

The battle belongs to the Lord, and the human spirit is very willing to let Him have this battle, but the flesh is miserably weak to put up a fight.(Remember the sleepy apostles?) We softly drift into a deep slumbering sleep as the evil one whispers worldly lullabies that numb our souls to the war he is waging against us…. Sounds pretty grim, especially when I put it in such terms, but is this how we resist the devil?

Lifestyle worshipers, whether we resolve never to fall to a particular temptation or determine never to do “that” again, our flesh cannot stand against the wiles of the wicked one. Sounds hopeless? Not really, because “… greater is He that is in [us] than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4b KJV). For we “are from God and have overcome them” (1 John 4:4a NIV84). We do not stand in our strength, but in His. We do not stand in our armor, but His. We do not stand by our cunning but by His Grace. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13 ESV). Did you catch that? “The Way of Escape”!

Brothers & Sisters, no matter how we describe what it looks like to resist the devil, one thing is very certain: We must flee to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Way of Escape from any temptation that has “overtaken” us. So, what does it look like to resist the devil? What does it look like to flee to the Lord Jesus Christ? Care to share?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

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

— Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

—Ephesians 4:25-27 (NIV84)

Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

—2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NKJV)

Lord Jesus Christ, I put You on as my Heavenly Armor: my Helmet of Salvation, my Breastplate of Righteousness, my Belt of Truth, my Shoes of the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, my Shield of Faith, my Sword Wielder and my Breath of Prayer. As You empower me to flee the evil desires of my youth, continue transforming me into Your likeness with ever increasing glory. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Just Like Elijah?”

Date: 10-30-14

Text: — James 5:13 — ¹⁷Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸ Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: James is looking passed the great acts of a prophet of God to the humble servant He called and empowered.

My Thoughts:

Perhaps you are like me when I first read v. 17, “…a man just like us.” I read it with a little incredulity in my voice. “Yeah, right!?!” I could not imagine me on Mt. Carmel dueling the prophets of Ba’al. I could not imagine me standing up against the King and Queen of the realm…, let alone stopping or starting the rain….

Lifestyle worshipers, do you think that James is looking passed the great acts of a prophet of God to the humble servant He called and empowered? James saw a man who was afraid (1 Kings 19:3); a man who got depressed (1 Kings 19:4-5); and a man who felt he was all alone in the struggle against evil (1 Kings 19:10). Can you related to such a man as this? I know I can….

But to stop & start the rain? If the Lord is empowering me, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13 NKJV). So if not the rain, then maybe some smaller mountains can be moved. What do you think? As we finish our last day of Heartwork today, maybe taking that next step of courage to spend ourselves a little bit more today is just the first step in moving ‘the mountain’. Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 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.

— John 14:12-14 (ESV)

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.

—John 15:7-8 (NIV84)

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

—2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, make my Life a prayer to You. I know it is You Who makes my prayers effective. As I pray what the Holy Spirit prompts to pray, may I joyfully anticipate Your fulfilling these promptings In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“When Do You Pray?

Date: 10-28-14

Text: — James 5:13 — Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Pray when we are in trouble, and praise when we are filled with cheer.

My Thoughts:

So when do you pray? When times are tough? Or is it like you’ve got the wind knocked out of you? Sucking for any air to enter your lungs?

Sometimes when we are in trouble, it is like having the wind knocked out of us, and, yet James exhorts us to pray when we are in trouble, and praise when we are filled with cheer. Sounds like to me he’s got the bases covered.

But when it comes to getting the wind knocked out of you and no prayer comes at all, I have found that it is best to have them put their knees to their chest and blow out first. This seems to break the vacuum seal on your lungs and relaxes the diaphragm. Then they are able to inhale more readily. Now others may have found better techniques, but in the spiritual life I haven’t found a better way….

Lifestyle worshipers, first we draw our knees to our chest (literally or figuratively) in a posture of prayer and then “exhale,” confessing any lack of faith or doubts in the Lord’s abilities to deliver us from our ‘trouble’. Then, once I am ‘breathing’ properly, I can sing songs of praise. Have you found this technique helpful when you pray in times of trouble? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one.

— John 17:15 (NIV84)

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. —Psalm 34:4-7 (NIV84)

But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of Your favor; in Your great love, O God, answer me with Your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters.

—Psalm 69:13-14 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, make my Life a prayer to You. Let my mouth praise You when I am filled with cheer and joy, and call to You in my times of trouble. Keep me devoted to prayer. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike