UNTIL PRAYER IS A PRIORITY . . . POWER WILL NOT BE A REALITY

Scripture is replete with promises related to prayer.   Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call to me, I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know."   John 14:14 says, "Ask anything in My name, and I will do it."  The common thread in all of these promises is that we have to actually pray and ask in keeping with the Lord's will.   One way to do that is to allow Scripture to shape our prayers.

• WE SHOULD PRAY FOR BOLDNESS IN DECLARING THE GOOD NEWS -- In Ephesians 6 Paul is in prison and he asks believers to pray "that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may speak boldly as I ought to speak."  Interestingly, Paul was in prison for boldly declaring the Good News, but he knew that the temptation to be quiet or not to share the Good News was ever present.   I need to be bold when I am in a friendly environment, but also when I am in a hostile environment.   Who will the Lord bring across my path today and give me opportunity to share the Good News?  Will I have the courage to do it?
• WE SHOULD PRAY FOR GOD-GIVEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GOSPEL -- Colossians 4 tells us to pray "that God would open a door for the word."  Not only should I pray for boldness when the opportunities arise, I should pray for the open door through which I can boldly go with the Good News.   In CEF of Greater Richmond we are praying for open doors at the schools and for churches who will have the boldness to go through those doors with the Good News.   We currently have 78 Good News Clubs, but there are many more places where the Gospel is not being shared.  Please join us in praying for open doors.
• WE SHOULD PRAY FOR EFFECTIVENESS IN MINISTRY -- II Thessalonians 3:1 instructs us to pray "that the word of the Lord will speed ahead and be honored."   In CEF the Gospel is presented 39 times every minute of every day, but we desire more than presentations of the Gospel -- we desire fruit that remains.   We can pray that the Word of God will "not return void" and that it will be effective in the hearts and lives of those with whom we share.   
• WE SHOULD PRAY FOR PROTECTION IN MINISTRY -- II Thessalonians 3:2 tells us to pray to be "delivered from wicked and evil men, for not all have faith."   Certainly there are those who would like nothing better than for the doors to the public schools to close.  They are actively working to that end.  We should be actively praying that the Lord sets before us "an open door that no man can shut."   

Prayer is the most difficult of the spiritual disciplines because it illustrates our dependence on the Lord.  Often we think we can handle it, but if we want BOLDNESS, OPPORTUNITY, EFFECTIVENESS, and PROTECTION we should be plugging into the power of prayer.

A Tribute to My Mom

A Tribute to My Mom:  Banie Luck

May 9, 1930 to February 2, 2018

If you had the joy of knowing Banie Luck, you knew a virtuous woman.   For eighty seven years she lived out her faith, and earlier tonight she went home to be with Jesus.   Tonight she is reunited with my dad to whom she was married for 63 years.  Had he been living they would have celebrated 68 years together earlier this week on January 27.   Tonight the memories flood back of planning a surprise 60th anniversary for Mom and Dad.   We reenacted their vows and Dad said he wasn't the least bit nervous because "this time I know what I am getting into!"   He like all those who knew her, knew she loved him and she loved the Lord.   

I remember vividly when my dad passed away on September 15, 2013.   Mom took his hand and said, "Honey, you go on now to be with the Lord, but walk slow.   I'll catch up as soon as the Lord allows."   That night Mom bowed her head and prayed thanking the Lord for 63 years with Dad.  Tonight they have been reunited in the Lord's presence.   

• As a virtuous woman, Mom was DISTINCTIVE.   Proverbs says, "an excellent wife who can find?"   She was an excellent wife and a woman of many strengths.   She was precious -- her price was far above rubies.   She was trustworthy -- the heart of her husband safely trusted in her.   She was consistent -- she did him good and not evil all the days of her life.
• As a virtuous woman she DELIGHTED in serving others.   "She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight."  Although Mom was never a seamstress, she consistently sought out the best materials and delighted in using her hands to serve others.   She served at Immanuel Baptist in a myriad of ways, encouraging, praying, counseling, cooking, and helping.  The work of her hands was always the expression of her heart.
• As a virtuous woman she was DILIGENT.  "While it is still night she rises and gives food to her household."   Mom was a hard worker.   She distinguished herself in business and in her work at home.   She was a wonderful cook, and only the Lord knows the number of meals prepared and served in our home.   
• As a virtuous woman she was always well DRESSED.   "Her clothing is fine linen and purple."   Mom always looked sharp and even in her later years she always wanted to look nice.   She was, in fact, beautiful -- not only on the outside, but on the inside.   She had penchant for pink, and she loved flowers.   It has been my absolute delight to deliver fresh flowers to her over 200 times since my Dad's passing in 2013.   She would often say, "You don't need to buy me flowers every time you come."  But I also recall her saying, "If you're going to disobey me, roses would be nice."   
• As a virtuous woman her life was EXEMPLARY.   "Strength and dignity were her clothing."   When I took Mom to see the assisted living facility, I dreaded her response to leaving her home.  She said, "Well, if you have prayed about this, it is God's will for me!"  A few weeks later, Carol who worked the front desk commented to me, "Your mom is so content!"  I told Mom what Carol said, and she responded, "I pray every day that the Lord will keep me content until He calls me home."   Mom -- you made it and you were content.
• As a virtuous woman she is PRAISED.   My dad would praise her for her faithfulness.   As her son, I praise her, and her works praise her.   

So Mom, tonight I bid you farewell -- but only for little while.   Soon the dawn of resurrection will come, and we will be together in the glory of God's presence.  Until then, sleep my beloved Mom, sleep.  I love you with all my heart and thank God for your untiring love and unswerving support, and unending prayers.   

Love always,

John

SEEKING AND FINDING SUCCESS

JOSHUA 1:7-9

7   Only be strong and very courageous;  be careful to do according to all the law which Moses,     My Servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.   8   This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you will make your way prosperous, and that you will have success.   9   Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

None of us would ever make it our goal to fail, but many do fail and success eludes them.   God's Word gives us a simple formula for those who wish to avoid failure and find success.  To understand the passage, we have to put ourselves in Joshua's shoes.   Moses has died.  Joshua surely feels the pressure of needing to succeed.  The passage gives three simple lessons.

• When Seeking Success I should speak of God TIRELESSLY-- "this book of the law shall not depart from your mouth." (v. 8)  What a strange turn of phrase -- shall not depart out of your mouth."   Sometimes a parent might say, "I never want to hear those words coming out of your mouth."  This actually means the exact opposite.  The cloud and fire did not depart from the children of Israel while they were in the wilderness.  The cloud and fire were with them 24/7.   If I am seeking success, I should speak of God tirelessly.  I should be talking about Him 24/7.  Let me share with you what God has been teaching me.  When I speak of God tirelessly I am constantly reminding myself and others of who God is and how he has dealt with me.   
• When Seeking Success I should meditate on God TENACIOUSLY-- "you shall meditate on it day and night" (v. 8)   To meditate is to "mull it over -- think about it.  In this passage I can see Joshua mulling over what God said in the previous verses.  God said of the land, "I am giving it to you.!"   God said, "every place your foot shall tread."  God said, "I am with you."  God said he will not fail me or forsake me.  God's got this.  I can rest in His promises and know that success is simply discerning and doing the will of God.
• When Seeking Success I should obey God TOTALLY-- "be careful to do all the law which Moses My Servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or the left."  I must be careful to never become diverted to the right or to the left.  So much in this world is pulling me one way or the other, but I must test all I see and hear by the grid of God's Word.   

Following these simple steps I can be assured of success.   So, today I will speak of God tirelessly, meditate on Him tenaciously, and seek to obey Him totally.

SPIRITUAL GPS? GUARANTEED!

5   Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and do not lean on your own understanding.

6   In all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will make your paths straight.

7   Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

If you use a GPS, you have had the experience of being "redirected" or told to "turn around."   In Proverbs 3:5-7 the Lord gives spiritual GPS -- how we can know we have God's direction.   In verse 6, it says and HE will make your paths straight.   The rest of the passage gives instruction on how to receive the direction, but it guarantees that God will direct.   In fact, the construction is an intensive and could be translated "He Himself will make your paths straight."   This word was used of those who would travel in advance of royalty and make the path clear.  The Lord promises that if we live in accordance with Proverbs 3:5-7, He will provide the direction we need.  The KJV says, "He will direct your path."  But, what are the stipulations for getting the direction?

• I must be rightly related to the Savior.  
• Trust in the Lord with all your hear.   The word trust occurs in the Old Testament over 1500 times and it means to put your confidence in, or to put your faith in.   I can confide in God in every area of life, and I must do so to receive direction.  I should RELY on the Lord in every area of life.
• In all you ways acknowledge Him -- I must RECOGNIZE the Lord in every area of life.  I cannot compartmentalize and have the Lord only part of my life.   He wants me to acknowledge Him in every area -- public and private.
• Fear the Lord -- I must REVERENCE the Lord in every area of life.   It is not that I should be afraid of punishment; rather, i should fear violating the relationship I have with the Lord.   Perfect love casts out fear.  When my love is right, I can stand before Him with no fear.
• I must be rightly related to self
• Do not lean on your own understanding.   This word is used in Kings of someone leaning on a sword to support his weight.   I can't put my confidence in my ability to understand; rather, I must trust in the Lord with all my heart.   If I don't lean on God's understanding as found in His word, I have no other choice than to lean on my own.  Therefore, I should make it my aim to know His word and apply it in every area of life.  I must REJECT HUMAN UNDERSTANDING in favor of God's principles.
• Do not be wise in your own eyes.  I must also REJECT HUMAN PRIDE.   It is so easy to believe that I know what is right or best.  Instead, I should daily fight the pride that so easily manifests itself.  Perhaps my relying on my own understanding and being wise in my own eyes can be measured by my prayer life.  Do I seek His wisdom or do I rely on my own?   
• I must be properly related to sin.
• Depart from evil.   The word used here is one of several Hebrew words that can be translated "depart."  The focus here is change of direction.  If I have been going the wrong direction, I must not only stop, but reverse direction and go toward righteousness.   

If I follow these simple steps, God guarantees me spiritual GPS that is never out of date.

When We Work -- WE WORK! When WE PRAY -- GOD WORKS!

Yesterday Ephesians 3:14-21 reminded us of the resources behind our prayers -- "according to the riches of His glory."  Today, I am taking a look at the requests Paul makes in his prayers for the Ephesians.  They are a model for us to follow when praying for family, friends, ministry colleagues, and any brother or sister in Christ.

The Requests in Prayer

• I am praying that you will be RESPONSIVE to the Spirit -- "that you might be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man" (v. 16)
• In order to be strengthened I must surrender to God's spirit.  I must listen carefully for His direction and the result will be a divinely directed life and a divinely protected life that is strengthened inwardly for the spiritual battle.

• I am praying that you will be properly RELATED to Christ -- "that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith" (v. 17)
• I can pray that Christ will be at home in my heart and in the hearts of those for whom I pray.   Sometimes I can be in a place where I don't feel welcome, but may it never be that Christ is not a honored and welcomed guest in my heart.
• I am praying that you will REALIZE God's love -- "that you might be rooted and grounded in . . . and able to comprehend the love of Christ" (vv. 17-18)
• So often when things don't go our way we are tempted to doubt God's love and call His character into question.   If only we could comprehend the depth of His love for us in every situation!
• I am praying that you will be RULED by God's character -- "that you will be filled with all the fullness of God" (v. 19)
• When a person is filled with rage or anger, they are under the control of that emotion.   To be filled with the Spirit is to be under His control, and to be filled with all the fullness of God is to be under His direction and control.
• I am praying that your life will REVEAL God's power -- that you might experience God's power in you "to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that you ask or think" (v. 20)
• How different our lives would be if they reflected God's power rather than merely our own strength.   I can pray that I and others for whom I pray will be dependent upon God and always careful to praise Him for what He does rather than to foolishly believe I made it happen.
• I am praying that your life will RESULT in God's glory -- that your life will be "to His glory in the church to all generations" (v. 21)
• If these requests are fulfilled in my life, it will be a life lived for the glory of God and it will impact generations.

I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!

Ephesians 3:14-21

14   For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

15   from whom every family in heaven and earth derives its name.

16   that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory,

to be strengthened with power through His spirit in the inner man

17  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;

and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18   may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth

19   and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,

that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

20   Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,

according to the power that works within us,

21   to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen.

“I am praying for you!”  We have all heard or said that many times.  Unfortunately they are sometimes words that roll off our lips rather than a rock solid commitment to lift up a brother or sister before the throne of grace.   Ephesians 3:14-21 is one of four times when Paul prays for believers.  It can be a model for our prayers as we learn and live the timeless truths of these verses.

v  The Resources Behind Prayer – “according to the riches of His glory” (v. 16).  Each year Forbes magazine publishes its list of the wealthiest people in the world.   In 2017, Microsoft's Bill Gates topped the list for the fourth year in a row and second and third were Warren Buffett and Jeff Bezos respectively.   Fortunately for these three, the fortune of Sam Walton was split three ways between Alice, Tom, and Jim Walton -- otherwise they would have dethroned and trailing badly.   

       The Greek language in this verse is very precise -- it says "according to" the riches of His glory.  The other construction would be "out of" the riches of His glory.  Suppose Bill Gates showed up at your home and announced he had decided to help you out financially with the cost of college education for your children.  You would be ecstatic; your problems would be solved; you would be set.  But wait, suppose he reached in his pocket and handed you $5.  Your disappointment would likely be hard to hide.  Why, because Bill Gates would have given to you "out of" his wealth -- that is, just a PORTION of his wealth.   On the other hand, had he given to you "according to" his wealth, his gift would be not just a portion of his wealth, but PROPORTIONATE to his wealth.   

       When we pray, we can pray "according to" the riches of His glory!   There is no limit!  He is all knowing, all powerful, and able to do "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think."   It is possible to make an ask that even Bill Gates or Warren Buffett could not fulfill, but no such limitation exists with our heavenly Father.   He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and He can do anything.   This assurance should embolden our prayers and encourage us to enter boldly into the throne room and ask for Him to do the seemingly impossible -- it is His specialty!

       More thoughts from this passage tomorrow, but for now, take a look at the requests in this prayer and pray!

v  The Requests in Prayer

Have you ever wondered how to pray for a friend or family member?   Today I can pray this prayer for every person I know, and know that I am praying in the will of God.

o   I am praying that you will be RESPONSIVE to the Spirit – “that you might be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man” (16)

o   I am praying that you will be properly RELATED to the Son – “that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith” (17)

o   I am praying that you will REALIZE God’s love – “that you might be rooted and grounded in . . . and able to comprehend the love of Christ” (vv. 17,18)

o   I am praying that you will be RULED by God’s character – “that you will be filled up with all the fullness of God” (v. 19)

o   I am praying that your life will REVEAL God’s Power – that you might experience God’s power in you to do “exceeding abundantly beyond all that you ask or think” (v. 20)

A WORD TO THE WISE IS SUFFICIENT

I CHRONICLES 28:9,10,20

11   As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father

and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind;

for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every intent of the thoughts.

12   Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you

to build a house for the sanctuary; be courageous and act.

20   Then David said to his son Solomon, Be strong and courageous and act;

do not fear or be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God is with you.

He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work

for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.

David had the task of offering instruction and advice to the wisest man who ever lived.   His words were rock solid and set a pattern for any who would be wise in any generation.

A Mandate for the Wise

In verse 9, David tells Solomon to "know God" and to "serve Him."   To know God is far more than to have an intellectual awareness of Him; rather it is experiential knowledge that is based on repeated interaction.   My brother knows cars.   He does not have just an awareness of cars, he knows them inside and out.   His many years of experience as a mechanic have provided an understanding that is beyond recognizing the different makes and models.   David tells his son that he should have a growing intimacy in his awareness of God.   Further, he should have a growing involvement in his activity for God -- that he should serve Him.

That service should be marked by a "whole heart" and a "willing mind."   When i serve with a whole heart, I will hold nothing back; I will be single minded; I will give little thought to the cost of serving, and no complaints will cross my lips.   My service will be marked by dedication. A willing mind indicates I will delight in my service.  I will view it as a blessing rather than a burden and my service will be marked by delight rather than viewed as a drudgery.

A Motivation for the Wise

"For the Lord searches all hearts and understands every intent of the thoughts."   Knowing that God realizes what is in my heart should motivate me to always do my best and seek excellence.   God inspects what I do.  He inspects how I do it, and He inspects why I do it.  Further God rewards what is in my heart because if i seek Him, I will find Him.

A Mission for the Wise

"Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you."  How amazing that God would consciously choose you or Me to do any part of His work.   I should approach every day and every task knowing that He formed me and knew me before I was in my mother's womb.   I should be conscious of my calling.   Further, I should be courageous in my calling -- David says, be strong and act.

The Means Provided for the Wise

"Be strong" could be translated be strengthened.   It is not that I must be strong in my own might; rather, I can be strong only because He provides the strength.   I need not fear or be dismayed because the Lord my God is with me and He will not forsake me until the work is finished.   I can be strong in God's power.  I can be sure of  God's presence.  I can be stedfast in God's purpose.