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