“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8 NIV).
I like the way the New Living Translation renders this verse: “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” The Living Bible (paraphrase) renders the last phrase of this verse, “I will watch your progress.”
Amazing! The God of the Universe cares enough to guide me along each day! I find the thought hard to even comprehend! It is not that He knows the general direction I’ve gone, He promises to guide each step of those who will respond to Him in faith.
There are times in life when the road is rough. I’ve been through many a dark day. There have been times when I was convinced I was on my own and, if I am honest, there were times when I was so mad at God I wished I was on my own–I thought that God had somehow really messed up certain things (Ah, the deception of the sinful heart!).
What I know is this: God doesn’t mess up, He never makes mistakes, and if, for one minute I can get my eyes off this temporary existence and realize that I was created for eternity, the temporary set-backs I think I’ve faced are really important detours along God’s “best pathway for (my) life.”
However, be careful. Let’s not forget that the setting of this verse is in the middle of a penitential Psalm. Do not make the mistake of thinking that sin is a part of that pathway. It is not. Sin will get you off the pathway, at which time God may bring you back kicking and screaming (see verse 9) on the other hand, He who controls the universe may elect just to take you out (see 1 Corinthians 11:30). Never presume upon the goodness of God.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Animosity Toward Religion Part 1
We live in an age where there is a definite distrust toward religion and in some cases outright animosity. Jean-Pierre Lehmann, in an article entitled, “The Dangers of Monotheism in an Age of Globalization” (The Globalist, 30 March 2006) writes, “I am a great believer that the progress of civilization requires the gradual eradication of all forms of established religion.” This is nothing new. Both the Humanist Manifesto I (1933) and II (1973) call for a similar eradication of religion.
Before you dismiss the above as extreme and this article as alarmist, think for a minute of the popular representation of religion in the media industry. Let anyone suggest a “right and wrong” notion and we are compared to fundamental extremist ready to enforce our beliefs by force given the chance. Those who agree with the political left are applauded, those who do not are demonized and warnings are broadcast alerting us of the religious right who are trying to hijack democracy. It seems that in our society everyone has a right to their opinion except conservative Christians. The majority applaud any group who wishes to impose their moral values on society but decry the right of groups who disagree with decadent views and seek, through the same political process to stop the proliferation of such views. So one group comes arguing for the right to publish pornography for example and if anyone dare oppose that “right” they are labeled extremist or worse–they are called “the religious right.” Then society is warned about their tendency to censure the rights of others. We forget that on a daily basis the rights of the majority are being censured by the outcry and frivolous lawsuits of the few who oppose religious expressions. For example millions have been spent in the Mount Soledad Cross issue alone, not only in defense of the Monument, but in fees paid through our tax dollar to the ACLU and fines imposed by the Courts on Cities should they fail to comply with such ridiculous demands.
Now my point is not to argue a political perspective, but rather support, by example, my thesis statement: that this is an age of distrust for religion and in some cases outrage against religion. The battle in our schools over the ability to continue to teach a totally non-scientific theory of origins as if it is legitimate science while decrying all opposing views as “religious propaganda” is an integral part in the battle to eradicate religion from the face of the earth. Make no mistake about it, that battle will mostly be won and if you want to read about what we can expect in such an “enlightened” world, read Revelation (the last book in the Bible) chapters 6-19.
I would not dare suggest that atrocities have not been committed in the name of religion. September 11, 2001 forbids such a contention and history records atrocities that have been committed in the name of Christianity as well. Sadly such atrocities are real (as in the Inquisition, Crusades, etc). Other times such tragedies are not real (for instance many claim that the Holocaust was carried out by men who believed in Christianity. We forget that Hitler was not a Christian, Hitler accepted both the theory of Darwinian Evolution and Nietzsche’s “God is dead” philosophy and used those beliefs to justify not only the murder of 6 million Jews but 7 million Christians as well–that is a story we forget. Hardly the actions of a “Christian.”) Erwin Lutzer observes, “We should remember that the number of people who died under the hands of an intolerant church is minute in comparison to the number of people who have died under the hands of intolerant humanistic states.” (Lutzer: “Exploding the Myths That Could Destroy America” Moody Press, 1986 pp. 19-20).
I am not arguing that the vast number of deaths inflicted upon mankind by those who have no religion ( a number in the millions), justify the deaths of those inflicted upon mankind inflicted upon mankind by the church (a number in the thousands). One death in the name of Christianity goes against the very tenants of Christ. I am not arguing that evil has not been done under the guise of Christianity, what I am arguing is that such acts are not Christian. I may commit a crime under an alias, but I promise you this: the laws of our land will not prosecute John Jones for my crime, though I may use his name. No! Mr. Jones’ will be cleared when it is proven that I acted in a way that he would neither agree with or participate in. Yet many are willing today to reject the name of Christ because of the criminal acts of individuals who dare use his name to support actions he would never condone.
Before you dismiss the above as extreme and this article as alarmist, think for a minute of the popular representation of religion in the media industry. Let anyone suggest a “right and wrong” notion and we are compared to fundamental extremist ready to enforce our beliefs by force given the chance. Those who agree with the political left are applauded, those who do not are demonized and warnings are broadcast alerting us of the religious right who are trying to hijack democracy. It seems that in our society everyone has a right to their opinion except conservative Christians. The majority applaud any group who wishes to impose their moral values on society but decry the right of groups who disagree with decadent views and seek, through the same political process to stop the proliferation of such views. So one group comes arguing for the right to publish pornography for example and if anyone dare oppose that “right” they are labeled extremist or worse–they are called “the religious right.” Then society is warned about their tendency to censure the rights of others. We forget that on a daily basis the rights of the majority are being censured by the outcry and frivolous lawsuits of the few who oppose religious expressions. For example millions have been spent in the Mount Soledad Cross issue alone, not only in defense of the Monument, but in fees paid through our tax dollar to the ACLU and fines imposed by the Courts on Cities should they fail to comply with such ridiculous demands.
Now my point is not to argue a political perspective, but rather support, by example, my thesis statement: that this is an age of distrust for religion and in some cases outrage against religion. The battle in our schools over the ability to continue to teach a totally non-scientific theory of origins as if it is legitimate science while decrying all opposing views as “religious propaganda” is an integral part in the battle to eradicate religion from the face of the earth. Make no mistake about it, that battle will mostly be won and if you want to read about what we can expect in such an “enlightened” world, read Revelation (the last book in the Bible) chapters 6-19.
I would not dare suggest that atrocities have not been committed in the name of religion. September 11, 2001 forbids such a contention and history records atrocities that have been committed in the name of Christianity as well. Sadly such atrocities are real (as in the Inquisition, Crusades, etc). Other times such tragedies are not real (for instance many claim that the Holocaust was carried out by men who believed in Christianity. We forget that Hitler was not a Christian, Hitler accepted both the theory of Darwinian Evolution and Nietzsche’s “God is dead” philosophy and used those beliefs to justify not only the murder of 6 million Jews but 7 million Christians as well–that is a story we forget. Hardly the actions of a “Christian.”) Erwin Lutzer observes, “We should remember that the number of people who died under the hands of an intolerant church is minute in comparison to the number of people who have died under the hands of intolerant humanistic states.” (Lutzer: “Exploding the Myths That Could Destroy America” Moody Press, 1986 pp. 19-20).
I am not arguing that the vast number of deaths inflicted upon mankind by those who have no religion ( a number in the millions), justify the deaths of those inflicted upon mankind inflicted upon mankind by the church (a number in the thousands). One death in the name of Christianity goes against the very tenants of Christ. I am not arguing that evil has not been done under the guise of Christianity, what I am arguing is that such acts are not Christian. I may commit a crime under an alias, but I promise you this: the laws of our land will not prosecute John Jones for my crime, though I may use his name. No! Mr. Jones’ will be cleared when it is proven that I acted in a way that he would neither agree with or participate in. Yet many are willing today to reject the name of Christ because of the criminal acts of individuals who dare use his name to support actions he would never condone.
Thoughts on Prayer
“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.” (Psalm 32:6-7 NIV).
Let us never presume upon God. Paul told us to “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB). The Psalmist says, “let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found.” That is both a profound and horrifying reminder! Let’s look at it.
First that phrase, “while you may be found,” reminds us that God is not obligated to be available to anyone! I chuckle and cry at the same time when I hear arguments to keep God out of the public sector and then hear those same voices asking “Where was God (when some tragedy befell us)?” Most recently, “Where was God” when the children at a Minnesota school were mercilessly gunned down? These same skeptics who want to point their accusing finger toward the heavens are the same skeptics who asked Him to leave them alone. What’s the problem? That is what He has done!
Second that phrase, “while you may be found,” reminds us that God is not obligated to hear the prayers of those who give sin, any sin, a safe harbor in their hearts. The Psalmist said, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Ps 66:18 NIV). And Isaian said, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NIV). Don’t think you can live any way you like and God is always going to be there to rescue you from the consequences of your sins.
Third, that phrase, “while you may be found,” when linked with the next thought, “surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him,” is both insightful and instructive. There are times when issues of life become so complicated and burdensome that it seems that God does not hear my prayers; my frantic cries for help. If I am not in the habit of communing with Him in the good times, it is unlikely that I will recognize His help in the bad times. Those who know what it is to “call upon God in the good times” know the peace that comes with calling upon Him in the bad times, even when our own cries deafen us to His still small voice.
Let us never presume upon God. Paul told us to “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB). The Psalmist says, “let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found.” That is both a profound and horrifying reminder! Let’s look at it.
First that phrase, “while you may be found,” reminds us that God is not obligated to be available to anyone! I chuckle and cry at the same time when I hear arguments to keep God out of the public sector and then hear those same voices asking “Where was God (when some tragedy befell us)?” Most recently, “Where was God” when the children at a Minnesota school were mercilessly gunned down? These same skeptics who want to point their accusing finger toward the heavens are the same skeptics who asked Him to leave them alone. What’s the problem? That is what He has done!
Second that phrase, “while you may be found,” reminds us that God is not obligated to hear the prayers of those who give sin, any sin, a safe harbor in their hearts. The Psalmist said, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Ps 66:18 NIV). And Isaian said, “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NIV). Don’t think you can live any way you like and God is always going to be there to rescue you from the consequences of your sins.
Third, that phrase, “while you may be found,” when linked with the next thought, “surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him,” is both insightful and instructive. There are times when issues of life become so complicated and burdensome that it seems that God does not hear my prayers; my frantic cries for help. If I am not in the habit of communing with Him in the good times, it is unlikely that I will recognize His help in the bad times. Those who know what it is to “call upon God in the good times” know the peace that comes with calling upon Him in the bad times, even when our own cries deafen us to His still small voice.
Monday, November 8, 2010
“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.” (Psalm 32:1-5 NIV).
What a marvelous thing to know your sins are forgiven! On the other hand, what horrible consequences we face when we try to hide something from God. The Bible says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV).
If a person is a believer, the eternal consequences of sin have been tempered–that is, the believer does not have to worry about eternal damnation (Hell). The Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 NIV). Unfortunately the enemy of our souls has convinced many that since heaven is our destiny we shouldn’t concern ourselves with sin; that all that really matters is that we are going to heaven and therefore we can live safely sinful lives–as long as they aren’t big sins. Such thinking is a lie. A little sin is like a little cancer, both will kill you.
But what do I mean when I state that the eternal consequences of sin have only been tempered? Believers will face the judgment seat of Christ and at that time unconfessed sins, inactivity for Christ, any failure to comply with the Biblical standard will be used to determine the rewards or lack thereof we will receive from Christ (See 2 Corinthians 5:10). So even there we are not off ‘scot-free.’ How we live our lives after accepting Christ matters. It matters to you but more importantly, it may be the difference between eternal life or eternal damnation to those watching us. Think about it.
Now if that doesn’t motivate you to godly living, consider the immediate consequences of hidden sin in the believers life. First, unconfessed sin is unforgiven sin and it is this unforgiven sin that will meet us at Christ’s judgment seat. Second, unconfessed sin weighs down the heart; it breaks the spirit and can even harm our health!
Here’s what I know (from experience), God knows what He is talking about (in His Word). When I follow His instructions (though it may seem to go against everything I think I know), I succeed. When I tamper with those instructions, I fail.
One more thing: confession in the Biblical sense is not mere acknowledgment. Confession means that I “agree with God” on the issue; that I see the sin from His point of view. Confession, therefore, by its very nature involves repentance. Repentance means a 1800 turn. I am going one way away from God now I turn and go the opposite way toward God. I have a change of mind about the sin or issue that results in a change of heart over that issue (I lose the desire for it), which results in a change of behavior. The Bible reminds us to “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8 NIV).
If you really want the joy of salvation, live like one who has been saved.
What a marvelous thing to know your sins are forgiven! On the other hand, what horrible consequences we face when we try to hide something from God. The Bible says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV).
If a person is a believer, the eternal consequences of sin have been tempered–that is, the believer does not have to worry about eternal damnation (Hell). The Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 NIV). Unfortunately the enemy of our souls has convinced many that since heaven is our destiny we shouldn’t concern ourselves with sin; that all that really matters is that we are going to heaven and therefore we can live safely sinful lives–as long as they aren’t big sins. Such thinking is a lie. A little sin is like a little cancer, both will kill you.
But what do I mean when I state that the eternal consequences of sin have only been tempered? Believers will face the judgment seat of Christ and at that time unconfessed sins, inactivity for Christ, any failure to comply with the Biblical standard will be used to determine the rewards or lack thereof we will receive from Christ (See 2 Corinthians 5:10). So even there we are not off ‘scot-free.’ How we live our lives after accepting Christ matters. It matters to you but more importantly, it may be the difference between eternal life or eternal damnation to those watching us. Think about it.
Now if that doesn’t motivate you to godly living, consider the immediate consequences of hidden sin in the believers life. First, unconfessed sin is unforgiven sin and it is this unforgiven sin that will meet us at Christ’s judgment seat. Second, unconfessed sin weighs down the heart; it breaks the spirit and can even harm our health!
Here’s what I know (from experience), God knows what He is talking about (in His Word). When I follow His instructions (though it may seem to go against everything I think I know), I succeed. When I tamper with those instructions, I fail.
One more thing: confession in the Biblical sense is not mere acknowledgment. Confession means that I “agree with God” on the issue; that I see the sin from His point of view. Confession, therefore, by its very nature involves repentance. Repentance means a 1800 turn. I am going one way away from God now I turn and go the opposite way toward God. I have a change of mind about the sin or issue that results in a change of heart over that issue (I lose the desire for it), which results in a change of behavior. The Bible reminds us to “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8 NIV).
If you really want the joy of salvation, live like one who has been saved.
Be Strong
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24 NIV).
The Bible is full of admonitions to “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Let’s look at a few of them.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.” (2 Chronicles 32:7 NIV).
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:3 NIV).
Then, one of my personal favorites is 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (NIV).
Wow! Aren’t you ready to face the day now?
The Bible is full of admonitions to “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Let’s look at a few of them.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.” (2 Chronicles 32:7 NIV).
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:3 NIV).
Then, one of my personal favorites is 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (NIV).
Wow! Aren’t you ready to face the day now?
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Needed: Salty Christians
“Dear friends, you are foreigners and strangers on this earth. So I beg you not to surrender to those desires that fight against you. Always let others see you behaving properly, even though they may still accuse you of doing wrong. Then on the day of judgment, they will honor God by telling the good things they saw you do.” (1 Peter 2:11-12 CEV).
The old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” That’s not entirely true. An old cowboy pointed out, “You can (make him drink) if you put salt in his oats!”
We live in an age where most seem to have little or no desire for God–despite what the Barna polls report. God is seen as an interruption on our time and in our lives–even among many professing Christians. In such a barren spiritual atmosphere, is there any hope for effective witnessing? I believe the answer is yes.
Now let me quickly state that I think many of the old tried-and-true methods that we keep trying to go back to are tired and mostly ineffective. Certainly there are those few who are still reached by cold contacts–door to door evangelism, a passed gospel tract, etc. Not that I am disparaging these methods, but the reason they are tired and ineffective for the most part is because they are leading satiated “horses” to the well of living water but the horses are not thirsty; they don’t recognize their need. The reason they don’t recognize their need is because the salt of the earth have been largely removed from society. Let me explain.
Barna polls report that a vast majority of Americans consider themselves “spiritual.” Yet, church attendance and baptisms are at an all-time low. Why? Most of these “spiritual” people, including many who consider themselves evangelical, believe that spirituality is a private thing. To use another common saying, most subscribe to the lie that we should “never discuss politics or religion.” (No wonder this country is going to hell in a handbasket as another saying goes.)
The concept of never discussing politics or religion is not biblical. In fact, when it comes to faith, the opposite is true! Look again at our text, this time from the New International Version: “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV--emphasis mine).
Jesus said of His followers, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (Matthew 5:13 NIV). Now, herein (I believe) is the problem. The reason most people do not appear to be interested in the things of God is because the people of God have lost their saltiness. The only place we demonstrate our faith is in the confines of our places of worship. The rest of the time we live with the same ambitions, desires, fears, anxiety and unfortunately even vices as the world around us. Like Lot in Sodom, we have not only moved into the world but we have allowed the world to move into us! That has got to change! We who call ourselves believers must begin to live like believers! When we who call ourselves believers begin to live like believers (in action and word), a thirsty world will stand up and take notice, they will recognize their thirst and they will drink from the well of Living Water.
The old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” That’s not entirely true. An old cowboy pointed out, “You can (make him drink) if you put salt in his oats!”
We live in an age where most seem to have little or no desire for God–despite what the Barna polls report. God is seen as an interruption on our time and in our lives–even among many professing Christians. In such a barren spiritual atmosphere, is there any hope for effective witnessing? I believe the answer is yes.
Now let me quickly state that I think many of the old tried-and-true methods that we keep trying to go back to are tired and mostly ineffective. Certainly there are those few who are still reached by cold contacts–door to door evangelism, a passed gospel tract, etc. Not that I am disparaging these methods, but the reason they are tired and ineffective for the most part is because they are leading satiated “horses” to the well of living water but the horses are not thirsty; they don’t recognize their need. The reason they don’t recognize their need is because the salt of the earth have been largely removed from society. Let me explain.
Barna polls report that a vast majority of Americans consider themselves “spiritual.” Yet, church attendance and baptisms are at an all-time low. Why? Most of these “spiritual” people, including many who consider themselves evangelical, believe that spirituality is a private thing. To use another common saying, most subscribe to the lie that we should “never discuss politics or religion.” (No wonder this country is going to hell in a handbasket as another saying goes.)
The concept of never discussing politics or religion is not biblical. In fact, when it comes to faith, the opposite is true! Look again at our text, this time from the New International Version: “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV--emphasis mine).
Jesus said of His followers, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (Matthew 5:13 NIV). Now, herein (I believe) is the problem. The reason most people do not appear to be interested in the things of God is because the people of God have lost their saltiness. The only place we demonstrate our faith is in the confines of our places of worship. The rest of the time we live with the same ambitions, desires, fears, anxiety and unfortunately even vices as the world around us. Like Lot in Sodom, we have not only moved into the world but we have allowed the world to move into us! That has got to change! We who call ourselves believers must begin to live like believers! When we who call ourselves believers begin to live like believers (in action and word), a thirsty world will stand up and take notice, they will recognize their thirst and they will drink from the well of Living Water.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Prayer
"Never stop praying." (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT)
The great Methodist theologian E.M. Bounds (1835-1913), stated, “Few Christians have anything but a vague idea of the power of prayer; fewer still have any experience of that power. The church seems almost wholly unaware of the power God puts into her hand; this spiritual carte blanche on the infinite resources of God’s wisdom and power is rarely, if ever, used — never used to the full measure of honoring God. It is astounding how poor the use, how little the benefits. Prayer is our most formidable weapon, but the one in which we are the least skilled, the most averse to its use.” Sad, but I fear all too true.
What do you face today? Will you try to tackle it alone, or will you seek God’s help? Even those who believe in prayer have the sinful tendency to utilize it only when all else has failed. We shouldn’t turn to prayer as a last recourse, prayer should be our first resort; that was what our Lord did. Everything He did He did only after first checking with the Father! (See John 8:28). We on the other hand tend to make our plans and then ask the Lord to bless them.
Let us neither forget nor squander the awesome power that God has made available to us, His children. May we not only know but experience the awesome power of prayer in our daily lives.
The great Methodist theologian E.M. Bounds (1835-1913), stated, “Few Christians have anything but a vague idea of the power of prayer; fewer still have any experience of that power. The church seems almost wholly unaware of the power God puts into her hand; this spiritual carte blanche on the infinite resources of God’s wisdom and power is rarely, if ever, used — never used to the full measure of honoring God. It is astounding how poor the use, how little the benefits. Prayer is our most formidable weapon, but the one in which we are the least skilled, the most averse to its use.” Sad, but I fear all too true.
What do you face today? Will you try to tackle it alone, or will you seek God’s help? Even those who believe in prayer have the sinful tendency to utilize it only when all else has failed. We shouldn’t turn to prayer as a last recourse, prayer should be our first resort; that was what our Lord did. Everything He did He did only after first checking with the Father! (See John 8:28). We on the other hand tend to make our plans and then ask the Lord to bless them.
Let us neither forget nor squander the awesome power that God has made available to us, His children. May we not only know but experience the awesome power of prayer in our daily lives.
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