Posted on Sep 6, 2017 in Anxiety, Faith, Peace, Philippians, Prayer |
Philippians 4:6 –
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made
known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When we are anxious we are not praying. And failure to pray is often symptomatic of a failure to believe in God’s ability and love and goodness and control.
The fertilizer for anxiety is unbelief demonstrated by prayerlessness. Then fertilizer for peace is belief demonstrated through prayer.
Which do you want to grow: anxiety or peace?
Fertilize accordingly!
Posted on May 16, 2017 in 1 Peter, Humility, Prayer, Pride, Worry |
Sometimes we make the big mistake of taking upon ourselves the weight of the world.
When we do this we over estimate ourselves and underestimate our God.
1 Peter 5:6-7 are clear!
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
The word “casting” carries the idea of happily throwing aside
not to pick it up again. Like the high-schooler who casts aside his backpack full of school books on Friday afternoon, not at all intending to use those books all weekend.
The other thing about prayerfully giving the weight of the world back to God is: It’s a very practical way to humble oneself.
Really, taking on the weight of the world is an act of incredible pride.
The weight of the world clearly belongs on God Almighty’s shoulders! He is more than able & willing to have it!
Posted on Mar 3, 2017 in 1 Thessalonians, Pastors, Prayer |
This is the picture of 3000 pastors. They are attending Pastor John MacArthur’s “Shepherd’s Conference” in Los Angeles.
It is far from easy being a pastor. 50% of the pastors starting out will not last 5 years. And over 1700 American pastors left the ministry every month last year!
With the Apostle Paul, when he closed his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, we Pastors beg you: “Brethren, pray for us”. (1 Thessalonians 5:25)
Posted on Nov 10, 2015 in 2 Corinthians, James, Prayer, Spiritual Warfare, Zechariah |
Zechariah 4:6B gives believers an important truth:
” … not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts”.
Each Lord’s Day morning at about 10:30 the Pastors meet in my office to pray for God the Holy Spirit to mightily move in the Worship Service exalting Christ & transforming Christ’s followers & calling the lost to repentance-faith.
This is not a ritual. This is a necessity.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4:
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ …”.
James 5:16B: ” … The effective prayer of the righteous man can accomplish much”.
When we pray, God works; when we fail to pray, we merely work.
