"Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted.” (Matthew 13:8).
There are many kinds of seeds we can sow, but do you know what produces the best crop? The seed of God's Word planted on the soil of our hearts. The more of the Word you take into your heart, the more abundant harvest it will produce. Our job, as believers, is to make sure we are good ground.
The scripture tells us there are things that can choke the seed of the Word out of our hearts. The cares of this world, greed and selfishness act as thorns that stop the seed from growing. It also tells us that in order for the seed to take root, we need to stand strong during the difficult times when persecution and challenges come.
Follow the encouragement found in Psalms chapter 1, to let our spiritual roots go down deep into God’s Word and prayer to bring fresh spiritual life. I want to expand on that image to think about what kind of trees we might exemplify, and I want to think about the palm.
Studies prove that during a hurricane, a palm tree will simply stretch and not break from the strong winds. It’s bent and pushed over, and all the while, its root system is actually being strengthened and given new opportunities for growth. That is the same way we were built to be. In Psalm 92:12 we read, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree.” That means God knew there would be difficult times in our lives, that things would come against us, trying to steal our joy, peace and victory. He’s not surprised by our difficulties, but rather knew ahead of time and equipped us with everything we need in Him! Because we have strong roots, we are going bounce right back. The storms in life will come. The winds will blow. But no weapon formed against us will prosper!
In these times of social upheaval these are important lessons for us to have firmly planted within us. The markets should bounce back, as do we. A bounce-back person sees adversity and every setback not as permanent, but temporary. It’s not going to last forever. You can be encouraged by every difficulty that comes your way by knowing that with God you can come out better than you were before. Why is that? Because it is in our DNA. God created us and intends us to walk in the same power which raised Christ from the dead; that same overcoming power and attitude that even the grave can’t keep down.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Billy Graham's Prayer for Our Nation -- One Nation Under God
Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation
The late great Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. It is a good prayer to reflect upon as we reflect on praying for our country, our "One nation under God."
Evangelist Billy Graham wrote: "Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
"We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
"We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!"
The late great Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. It is a good prayer to reflect upon as we reflect on praying for our country, our "One nation under God."
Evangelist Billy Graham wrote: "Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
"We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
"We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!"
Prayerlessness is a Sin -- We Must Become Desperate for God!
I read an interesting article, “Desperate for God,” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss in Pray! Magazine this week and thought it worth sharing with you:
"Several years ago, the Lord began to speak to me about my prayerlessness. It's not that I never prayed- I tried to live each day in a spirit of prayer, seeking to know the heart and mind of God in relation to my activities and relationships and to know what would please Him in each decision and circumstance. But, with few exceptions over the years, I had never cultivated the practice of setting specific times for private prayer. Others may have assumed that I was a woman of prayer; but God knew and I knew that it was not the case.
"I'd like to say that I experienced a major "breakthrough" that turned me into the "prayer warrior" I wanted to be. There was no such breakthrough. However, what God began in my heart that summer has been a continuous process. It has included both a measure of growth as well as seasons of defeat. As Charles Swindoll would say, it has been "three steps forward and two steps back." What I do know is that there continues to be, deep within my heart, a call and a commitment to press on and to lay hold of the heart and hand of God through prayer.
"As God opened my eyes to this matter of prayerlessness, I asked Him to let me see it from His point of view. Here is what I wrote in my journal one day when God first began to deal with my heart:
"I am convicted that prayerlessness: is a sin against God (1 Sam. 12:23); is direct disobedience to the command of Christ ("watch and pray"- Mt. 26:41), is direct disobedience to the Word of God ("pray without ceasing"- 1 Thess. 5:17); makes me vulnerable to temptation ("watch and pray so . . .you will not fall into temptation"- Mt. 26:41); expresses independence- no need for God; gives place to the Enemy and makes me vulnerable to his schemes (Eph. 6:18, Daniel 10).
"Not prayimg hurts us! It results in powerlessness; limits (and defines) my relationship with God; hinders me from knowing His will, His priorities, His direction forces me to operate in the realm of the natural (what I can do) versus the supernatural (what He can do); leaves me weak, harried, and hassled; is rooted in pride, self-sufficiency, laziness, and lack of discipline; reveals a lack of real burden and compassion for others."
"Several years ago, the Lord began to speak to me about my prayerlessness. It's not that I never prayed- I tried to live each day in a spirit of prayer, seeking to know the heart and mind of God in relation to my activities and relationships and to know what would please Him in each decision and circumstance. But, with few exceptions over the years, I had never cultivated the practice of setting specific times for private prayer. Others may have assumed that I was a woman of prayer; but God knew and I knew that it was not the case.
"I'd like to say that I experienced a major "breakthrough" that turned me into the "prayer warrior" I wanted to be. There was no such breakthrough. However, what God began in my heart that summer has been a continuous process. It has included both a measure of growth as well as seasons of defeat. As Charles Swindoll would say, it has been "three steps forward and two steps back." What I do know is that there continues to be, deep within my heart, a call and a commitment to press on and to lay hold of the heart and hand of God through prayer.
"As God opened my eyes to this matter of prayerlessness, I asked Him to let me see it from His point of view. Here is what I wrote in my journal one day when God first began to deal with my heart:
"I am convicted that prayerlessness: is a sin against God (1 Sam. 12:23); is direct disobedience to the command of Christ ("watch and pray"- Mt. 26:41), is direct disobedience to the Word of God ("pray without ceasing"- 1 Thess. 5:17); makes me vulnerable to temptation ("watch and pray so . . .you will not fall into temptation"- Mt. 26:41); expresses independence- no need for God; gives place to the Enemy and makes me vulnerable to his schemes (Eph. 6:18, Daniel 10).
"Not prayimg hurts us! It results in powerlessness; limits (and defines) my relationship with God; hinders me from knowing His will, His priorities, His direction forces me to operate in the realm of the natural (what I can do) versus the supernatural (what He can do); leaves me weak, harried, and hassled; is rooted in pride, self-sufficiency, laziness, and lack of discipline; reveals a lack of real burden and compassion for others."
The Lord Will Hear Your Cry for Mercy -- He Will Accept Your Prayer
Psalm 6:9 tells us, “The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.”
Have you ever grown frustrated with God over situations in your life? Have you gone to Him and poured out those feelings in prayer? If so, you’ll be able to relate to the prophet Habakkuk and his complaint: “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save me. Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?” Hab.1:2-3.
God answered Habakkuk by telling him to be patient and to watch, that He will do amazing things and usher in justice- but only in His timing. Passionate, honest, gut-level prayers have been recorded through out the Bible.
Habakkuk wasn’t the only one to complain. Moses, Gideon, and Elijah all questioned God. Job even cursed the day God made him and said, “I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.” Job 10:1. In his anguish, Job accused God of afflicting people for no reason (Job 9:17), overwhelming them with misery (Job 9:18), and not caring about injustice (Job 9:22, 24).
These accusations are not accurate, but we can sometimes feel that way in times of severe suffering or testing. God knows our deepest thoughts and feelings, so it’s futile to think we can hide them from Him. It is better to tell God how we really feel, get it off our chest in prayer, and hopefully clear the way to hear and receive God’s reply or comfort.
Though God does not always change my circumstances the way I want Him to, He can and does change my perspective on those circumstances- enabling me to endure them. Be honest before God in prayer today. While maintaining a holy respect for Him and thanksgiving for His saving grace, pour out the good, the bad and the ugly of your feelings. As Habakkuk, Job and others discovered, God can handle our intense emotions and questions.
He may not explain Himself fully to us- perhaps because we can’t fully understand- but He will flood us with His love when we come humbly and honestly before Him and pour out our heart.
Have you ever grown frustrated with God over situations in your life? Have you gone to Him and poured out those feelings in prayer? If so, you’ll be able to relate to the prophet Habakkuk and his complaint: “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save me. Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?” Hab.1:2-3.
God answered Habakkuk by telling him to be patient and to watch, that He will do amazing things and usher in justice- but only in His timing. Passionate, honest, gut-level prayers have been recorded through out the Bible.
Habakkuk wasn’t the only one to complain. Moses, Gideon, and Elijah all questioned God. Job even cursed the day God made him and said, “I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.” Job 10:1. In his anguish, Job accused God of afflicting people for no reason (Job 9:17), overwhelming them with misery (Job 9:18), and not caring about injustice (Job 9:22, 24).
These accusations are not accurate, but we can sometimes feel that way in times of severe suffering or testing. God knows our deepest thoughts and feelings, so it’s futile to think we can hide them from Him. It is better to tell God how we really feel, get it off our chest in prayer, and hopefully clear the way to hear and receive God’s reply or comfort.
Though God does not always change my circumstances the way I want Him to, He can and does change my perspective on those circumstances- enabling me to endure them. Be honest before God in prayer today. While maintaining a holy respect for Him and thanksgiving for His saving grace, pour out the good, the bad and the ugly of your feelings. As Habakkuk, Job and others discovered, God can handle our intense emotions and questions.
He may not explain Himself fully to us- perhaps because we can’t fully understand- but He will flood us with His love when we come humbly and honestly before Him and pour out our heart.
Make That Prayer Call to the Lord -- He Desires to Hear from You
Do you remember pay phones? It is kind of the way he older generation tends to think about long distance phone calls today. We used to hoard the dime for the call until we really needed it.
Today there are those who restrict their ling distance calls because of the extra charges. Cell phones have changed all of that. Unless you are using a track phone, you have a plan that allows virtually unlimited calls and the charge is the same if you are like me and only use a few minutes, or if you are on the phone all the time, you might need to bump up your plan a little. On our land line at home, we have unlimited long distance for less than a basic plan for local calls used to cost us. The effect is that there is no hesitation in making a long distance call. I can be generous with others who don’t have that kind of plan and tell them to hang up and we call them back.
That is the kind of attitude we need to have about prayer. There are no extra fees to talk to God.
Your prayer life should flow freely from your heart. You should feel free to call, text and mobile-to-mobile our Lord about any and everything and, as a result, stay constantly connected to Him throughout the course of every day.
We should realize that His line is never busy, His ear never tires and He longs to connect with us more than an occasional time or two a week. I too can call (pray), text (journal), save a message (memorize Scripture) or return a message (praise Him) no matter the time or place!
Oh, if only God’s presence in my everyday life became as precious and desired as a teen’s cell phone use addiction! Perhaps this week when we spy a cell phone, let it trigger our desire to call upon the Lord all day long. He will answer every time. No roaming charges, no busy signals and best of all, no dropped calls! He will answer you every time!
Today there are those who restrict their ling distance calls because of the extra charges. Cell phones have changed all of that. Unless you are using a track phone, you have a plan that allows virtually unlimited calls and the charge is the same if you are like me and only use a few minutes, or if you are on the phone all the time, you might need to bump up your plan a little. On our land line at home, we have unlimited long distance for less than a basic plan for local calls used to cost us. The effect is that there is no hesitation in making a long distance call. I can be generous with others who don’t have that kind of plan and tell them to hang up and we call them back.
That is the kind of attitude we need to have about prayer. There are no extra fees to talk to God.
Your prayer life should flow freely from your heart. You should feel free to call, text and mobile-to-mobile our Lord about any and everything and, as a result, stay constantly connected to Him throughout the course of every day.
We should realize that His line is never busy, His ear never tires and He longs to connect with us more than an occasional time or two a week. I too can call (pray), text (journal), save a message (memorize Scripture) or return a message (praise Him) no matter the time or place!
Oh, if only God’s presence in my everyday life became as precious and desired as a teen’s cell phone use addiction! Perhaps this week when we spy a cell phone, let it trigger our desire to call upon the Lord all day long. He will answer every time. No roaming charges, no busy signals and best of all, no dropped calls! He will answer you every time!
God Has Plans for You -- To Prosper You and Give You a Future and Hope
God desires that we thrive and flourish in all things. He wants to prosper everything we set our hands to. In Psalm 92:12 (Amplified Version) we read, “The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible].” The word “flourish” here means to grow, or achieve success; to be in a state of activity; to reach a height of development and ability to impact others. We are created to live fruitful, productive, and influential lives.
The key is to remain uncompromisingly righteous. Righteousness is about being in right standing with God. It’s about receiving His forgiveness and making the necessary adjustments to align ourselves with His Word. When you are uncompromisingly righteous, God’s Word is your final authority.
You seek Him in everything you do and make Him a part of your everyday life. This is why I am trying to emphasize so greatly the vital importance of spending time daily in the scriptures. Please pray that God will enable you to be faithful and influence others to build the habit and discipline of daily scripture reading.
Remember, God’s plans are for your good. He has plans to prosper you and give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)He rewards those who seek after Him. As you open your heart I prayer and allow Him to cover you with His righteousness, you will flourish and find success in every area of your life.
The key is to remain uncompromisingly righteous. Righteousness is about being in right standing with God. It’s about receiving His forgiveness and making the necessary adjustments to align ourselves with His Word. When you are uncompromisingly righteous, God’s Word is your final authority.
You seek Him in everything you do and make Him a part of your everyday life. This is why I am trying to emphasize so greatly the vital importance of spending time daily in the scriptures. Please pray that God will enable you to be faithful and influence others to build the habit and discipline of daily scripture reading.
Remember, God’s plans are for your good. He has plans to prosper you and give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)He rewards those who seek after Him. As you open your heart I prayer and allow Him to cover you with His righteousness, you will flourish and find success in every area of your life.
The Prayer of a Good Christian is a Great Force for Good!
The power of prayer should not be underestimated. James 5:16-18 declares, "…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah 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. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to prayers.
Jesus taught, "…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20).
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The Bible urges us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).
The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." No matter the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer - God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. You can trust that fact! When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God's will, God responds powerfully!
Jesus taught, "…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20).
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The Bible urges us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).
The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." No matter the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer - God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. You can trust that fact! When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God's will, God responds powerfully!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)