Really, really, really long, drawn out prayers

I just read an interesting article on long-winded prayers. We've all been there. In fact, we've all done them. Being one who has prayed a similar prayer before, I believe that these type of prayers are born either out of us not knowing how or what to pray for or in order to impress others that may be listening.

Matthew 6:5-8 tells us, "When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.  But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.  So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."

While there is nothing, per se, wrong with a long prayer when it is warranted, when asked to publicly pray, this is not the time to confess all that you've been holding back for the past year, nor is it the time to invoke the blessings of God in a long litany of "thee's" and "thou's".

We need to pray a prayer of substance... an honest prayer from your heart to the heart of God.

As we bow down, be lifted up

Be lifted up, be lifted up
As we bow down,
Be lifted up.

Let the heavens rejoice
Let the nations be glad
Let the whole earth tremble
For you are God
Come and worship the Lord
In the beauty of holiness

As we bow down,
Be lifted up,
As we bow down,
Be lifted up 

I am listening to this song this morning as I came across an old Promise Keepers CD from a rally that I went to in 2004. Wow, that was a long time ago, relatively speaking.I remember the comradery , the teaching and especially, the worship.

As I listen to it, it makes me think, that in our hearts, in our lives are we FULLY submitting to the will of our Father? Are we bowing down? Are we crucifying the flesh... our wants and desires to lift Him up? Do we seek His will above our own, even when it's not convenient or may cause pain (which is temporary)?

We (and when I say we, I mean "I" as well)  need to say, never-the-less, not my will but Thine be done.

As you have your private time today... as you bow down, be sure to lift Christ up.

Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good!

Wow... I love that the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me through some incredible sources, not the least of which is Christian music.I've heard some say that we should not have to listen to Christian music.

Philippians 4:8 says to "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

I love music that points to the Truths of Christ, His love, His sacrifice, His promises and His characteristics. What a better way to keep Him in the center of our thoughts aside from reading the Bible and praying? Take a look at some examples below.

The sacrifice and love of Christ:

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

~ Who Am I

The promises and characteristics of Christ:

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come

~The Revelation Song

His love enduress forever
...
Forever God is faithful.
Forever God is strong.
Forever God is with us
Forever!

~Forever

OK, before anyone says anything, I am not saying that we should take our theology from contemporary (or evern classical) Christian music. What I am saying is that there are A LOT of really good, Christ-focused songs that can serve to help keep your heart and mind centered on Him throughout the day.

Some things (from the Bible, our source for Truth) to think about...

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  – 1 Peter 2:9.

Do not love the world nor the things in the world.If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.   – 1 John 2:15-17.

I am not intending to get this to be a discussion or let this post devolve into "Christian vs secular music" or whether or not "Christian Rap" is "Christian" music. I am simply stating that by immersing yourself in Godly, Christ-centered music whenever possible, it is a great way to be able to think on the Lord... to let His praise be continually in our mouths. (Psalm 34:1)

Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past – Poem by C.T Studd

I've heard the quote, "Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last." before, but did not realize that it was a poem. In reading it, it brings conviction to my heart and drives home the point that life here on Earth is short; the Bible calls it a vapor (James 4:14). It's the eternal things that matter... being about God's business while we are yet here.

How callously we waste our time in selfish pursuits with nary a nod to God, our Creator, our Father. I ask for forgiveness for not being more in tune to what God has in store for me... His will for my life.

May we all realize that God's will is what really matters and spend our time in the relentless pursuit of it.

I have a preacher friend that made a similar poignant point once noting that one of our jobs while here is evangelism. It's something that we can only do here on Earth. Once we cross over to Heaven, that job will be no more. It's helped to bring the message home.

Living for Christ is all that matters. May we run hard after the heart of God.

Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”


— extra stanza —

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

~C.T Studd

Happy Resurrection Sunday

Happy Resurrection Sunday!!!!


What an incredible day this is for those who are redeemed and for those who aren't, what an opportunity to have an everlasting relationship with the Lord!

♪ ♫ This the power of the cross; Christ became sin for us. He took the blame, bore the wrath. We stand forgiven at the cross ♫ ♪

Thank you, Jesus!!!!

Count Your Blessings

This is a post regarding an email that I received from the White Horse Inn. It speaks of our true blessings in light of our God. God is truly good and merciful and loving beyond measure.

Sometimes during the holidays, it's easy to feel sad and to lose site of what is really important. The email went on to detail the blessings that we have in Christ, for which we have so much to be truly thankful.

• For God and so rich a salvation.
• For Christ’s active and passive obedience.
• For God’s Word that is powerful to save.
• For the “feet of those who preach the good news!”
• For Christ’s Church, for both a people and a place.
• For our vocations.

Merry CHRISTmas!

Merry CHRISTmas!

I've been a little (OK a LOT) lax in posting entries. I plan on remedying this. Until my next post...

Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem

1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

- Luke 2:1-20

Luke 23

Luke 23... that's what the Lord woke me up with last night. I don't know why yet, but it was so heavily impressed on my heart. I've read it over and over today and am praying that the Lord reveals what it is that He is trying to show me.

For those who are unfamiliar with Luke 23, it is the story of Jesus before Pilate through his burial and the women coming to see him and then preparing spices.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

"...the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord'"

- Luke 2:10-11

Graced Again

Do we do nothing at all for obtaining this righteousness? I answer, Nothing at all. For this is perfect righteousness, to do nothing, to hear nothing, to know nothing of the law or of works, but to know and believe this only, that Christ is gone to the Father not as judge, but made unto us righteousness, holiness, redemption that He is our high priest entreating for us, and reigning over us and in us by grace,in his righteousness and life I have no sin I am indeed a sinner as touching this present life but I have another righteousness and another life which is Christ.

~Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians

Does your MySpace and Facebook bring God Glory?

Here is an interesting video that I came across. I pray that whoever listens to this would examine yourself in light of the Word of God.

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
-I John 2:15

May God be glorified in all that we say and do.

Because Truth matters,
George

Today, salvation has come to this house

It's been a long time since I've posted and while there have been numerous things that I would like t talk about, the one that stand out the most is that on July 3 at 9:25pm , our youngest daughter prayed to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior!!!!!!!! Thank you Lord for Your love and mercy!!!!!!!!

What an incredible feeling it is to have her come to her mom and I and ask us about what being a Christian means and how she goes about doing it.

I know that the angels in Heaven are rejoicing over her decision as are mom, dad, friends and church family!

Yesterday, we started going through a workbook for younger children that helps explain what a Christian believes, why it's important to read the Bible, etc.

Thank you again Lord for your love and mercy.

Because Truth matters,
George

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

He is risen!

What an awesome day! We started the day with checking the oven for our resurrection cookies (hollow merengue and almonds). They kids thought they were cool, but our 5 year-old was a little underwhelmed that they did not turn into chocolate chip cookies overnight... lol

Service was great today as our pastor preached our of 1st Thessalonians and the resurrection of our bodies and the rapture of the church.

The kids then had an Easter egg hunt.

Anyway, as I sit here and think about the day, I am reflecting on the real love and sacrifice that our Saviour has shown to us as well as the future resurrection that waits for believers when the Lord returns.

At the end of the day, I am happy that our children know and can explain the real meaning of the today which is not an easy thing to do when trying to keep your 5 year-old's mind off of the chocolate bunny in the next room... lol

Thank you, Lord for your love, sacrifice and for chosing and saving us!

Because Truth matters,
George

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday and as I sit and reflect on the meaning of this day, I am humbled by the love and sacrifice that our Lord has made.

During the lessons this week, I've challenged the youth and Royal Ambassadors to look beyond the busyiness of the week... to look beyond the time away from school... to look past the candy and to stay focused on Jesus on this week of all weeks.

As 9:00 this morning rolled around, I thought about that point in time some 1976 years ago when Jesus was brutally beated, humilated and crucified on a cross.

It's unfathomable to think about the shame, scorn and separation that He went through in my place, so that I could have eternal life. To think that Jesus was thinking about me while he suffered and died is almost too much to comprehend.

The song, Wonderful Cross, taken from an old hymn comes to mind.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
See from his head, his hands, his
feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and blessYour name

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

Wow... Lord Jesus, help me to honor you especially during this week; the week that we celebrate your glorious resurrection and outpouring of your love.

Because Truth Matters,
George

AW Tozer

I like quotes and find them interesting. People use quotes in a number of ways such as to make or refute a point. We often quote the Bible in such a manner. We also do this with "fathers of our Christian faith"; with those people that we consider "spiritual giants".

While God should be our focus and the Holy Spirit our guide, I do believe that articles of truth can be shored up by a quote offered in line with what the Bible teaches.

Anyway, I came across this quote today and wanted to share it. I find it interesting considering the modern landscape of Christianity today.

“One of the most popular current errors, and the one out of which springs most of the noisy, blustering religious activity being carried in evangelical circles these days, is the notion that as times change the church must change with them. Christians must adapt their methods by the demands of the people. If they want ten-minute sermons, give them ten-minute sermons. If they want truth in capsule form, give it to them. If they want pictures, give them plenty of pictures. If they like stories, tell them stories. If they prefer to absorb their religious instruction through drama, go along with them—give them what they want. ‘The message is the same, only the method changes,’ say the advocates of compromise.”

- A.W. Tozer

Because Truth Matters,
George

Jeremiah 33:3

Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

- Jeremiah 33:3

Reflecting Christ for Your Children

How are you living your life and faith in front of your children? Do you reflect a life of faith and trust in Jesus? Does your life reflect what you say?

The following is a short cool video about how kids observe what their dads do and what they learn and although it's a father and son in the video, the same applies for both mom and dad, boys and girls.

Nothing New Under The Sun

“The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them...providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the church...the need is for Biblical doctrine, so understood and felt that it sets men aflame.”

- CH Spurgeon


The title of this quote is taken from Ecclesiastes 1:9-14.

Because Truth matters,
George

Food for Thought

I recently came across this interesting picture from a postcard that churches can sent out to people. I think that it's very thought provoking, not only along the lines of it's original intent, but also for what it means to the individual Christian.

The way that I see it is that it's a call to an awakening; a process of self-examination for Christians attending churches and pastors alike.

Christian: Do you give God the leftovers of your day, grabbing a bite of the Bible when you have time, or are you taking the time to feast on the riches of God's Word?

Pastor: Do you fee your flock the Word of God or are you giving them just enough of a "rush" to get through to the next service where they will come back and hear the next feel good message?

We cannot neglect our spiritual bodies and expect to be a healthy and growing Christian, much like the fact that we can't neglect our physical bodies and expect to be healthy.

To quote an old church sign,

7 days without God's Word, makes 1 weak.

Because Truth matters,
George

Called and Equipped for Service

The following is from an email list that I belong to. It was taken from J. P.'s Inspirations.

The reading deals with a call to ministry, something that I am dealing with on a personal level. I have known that I have been called to the preaching ministry, but have had difficulty in dealing with it in as far as discerning the next step. In the mean time, I am seeking God's will and am doing the last thing that He told me to do until I have know what the next step is. (thanks Dr. Blackaby)

The article reminds me of some of the "simple" truths of the calling such as:

• God's ways are not our ways / His thoughts are not our thoughts
• He chose us (we did not choose Him)
• He will equip us for what He has called us to.
• To obey is better than sacrifice

Humanly speaking, we see Moses was an unlikely candidate to be called as the one to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt. There was a price on his head in Egypt and he was in exile. Yet, we see God's ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts. Moses was chosen by God. Even though he felt he was not qualified to be their leader, God equipped Him with all he needed to carry forth His will and set God's people free.

We are also unqualified for the mission which the Lord calls us. Jesus will remind us that He chose us, we did not choose Him. (Jn. 15: 16). He will supply all we need to enable us to successfully work for Him. By His Spirit and Word, we are led and spiritually fed. As God gives us spiritual food and leads us, we are also to share with others.

If we let the Lord's will be done in our lives and follow Him, we shall have success in all we attempt in His service. Success in the eyes of God, is different than in the eyes of men. To obey is better than sacrifice, and God rewards our faithful obedience.

Remember that God told Moses, "I will be with you" and still tells us these same words today. If we listen closely, we can hear the Lord speaking to our hearts. He will never leave or forsake us. He will always be there, even until the end of the age. Whatever God has called us to do, God will go before and prepare the way. If we are called to share God's Word with others, the Lord will bless us as we seek and let Him equip us for the task. He alone is able supply the spiritual food to sustain souls that they might grow in His grace and knowledge.

We have God's blessed assurance and can claim every promise He has given us. We give thanks for the ever abiding presence of the Holy Spirit and God's help in our lives each day.

What an incredible article that was. It was succinct, but contained all that one needs to hear regarding a calling.

Thank you Lord for your leading.

Because Truth matters,
George