October 10, 2016

"When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted." Matthew 28:17

Now, why did they put that last phrase in there? Isn't that curious? I understand that Matthew would want us to know that the eleven remaining disciples worshiped the Risen Jesus - but did we need to know about the doubters?

How could you doubt Jesus when He is right there; risen, alive, and triumphant?

This serves as one more proof of the authenticity of the Bible. Had it been written by men who were trying to deceive they would not have included those three words "but some doubted".

So, what should we make of that statement?

Personally, I take encouragement from it! Here's why:

First, it tells me that these "some who doubted" (and we don't know how many of them there were) worshiped through their doubts. Even though they were unresolved in their faith, they didn't let it keep them from falling at the feet of the Resurrected Jesus.

Haven't you come to church some time when you were struggling with a doubt? What better place to be when you are unresolved in your faith?

Second, it tells me that God can use spiritually unresolved people to change the world! This same group of eleven became the foundation for the Church of Jesus Christ. So, not only did they worship through their doubts but the served through their doubts.

How many times have you stepped out into some new endeavor for the Lord and you weren't sure what the result would be. It was scary and uncomfortable for you but you leaned on His strength and worked through your doubts! I'm sure you have done that. I know I have!

Third, it doesn't say whether the doubts they had were toward Jesus or about themselves. For every doubt I have had about Him, I have had a thousand toward myself. In fact, when God began to lay the calling for ministry upon my heart, I resisted for four years primarily because I had serious doubts about my ability to measure up to that calling. I believed God could do it I just didn't think I could. Fortunately, a good friend assured me that when He calls He enables.

Why are those three words included in this significant portion of Scripture? I think it is because God want us to know that it is okay to have doubts as long as we worship through them and work through them. God is greater than our doubts!

If you are struggling with some doubts today - bring them to the feet of Jesus!

October 9, 2016

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,  as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Matthew 6:5-13

Do you ever long for a more passionate and intimate relationship with Christ?

Have you ever wondered what it takes to maintain a spiritual relationship as intense as Jesus had?

Jesus says, "When you pray, pray sincerely!"

Sincere prayer means praying heartfelt prayer, honoring prayers, humble prayers and honest prayers. That's how Jesus prayed.

Here's what I know about relationships, the test of a relationship is how honest you are able to be with the other person. The more honest you can be the intimate you will be.

Do you have a relationship like that? Are you able to be completely honest with your spouse or are there things you have to hide from them for fear they would reject you or be upset with you?

Is your spouse able to be completely honest with you or are you easily offended or upset? Does your spouse find it necessary to walk on eggshells around you?

What would happen in your relationship if you lived sincerely as you pray. What if you were heartfelt when you shared with them? What if you were humble and honest and honored them above yourself?

Would that make your relationship healthier and more satisfying? Wouldn't it create more intimacy between you? 

What if you began by learning to pray sincerely as Jesus taught? What if you learned how to pray heartfelt, honoring, humble and honest prayers to God? What if you discovered the power of praying heartfelt honoring, humble and honest prayers for your spouse and your marriage? What if you began to draw strength and security and confidence from God so you were able to risk building those qualities into your marriage relationship?

James said, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands,you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8

Finding intimacy with God through sincere prayer will strengthen all your relationships. Prayer really does change things! Beginning with you!

Sincerely!

October 8, 2016

"When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward. When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you. When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask. You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name. Come and set up your kingdom so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven. Give us our food for today.Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil." Matthew 6:5-13

If Jesus teaches on prayer shouldn't you listen and learn from Him?

So far we have learned that when you pray you should pray sincerely, you should pray secretly and you should pray securely.

This morning I want to go into greater detail on what it means to pray sincerely. Jesus gives you insights into that topic through His pattern for prayer given to the disciples:

"You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name. Come and set up your kingdom so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven. Give us our food for today.Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil." 

Out of this come four aspects of sincere prayer. Sincere prayer should be:

1) Heartfelt

2) Honoring

3) Humbling

4) Honest

Jesus said, "When you pray don't pray like the Pharisees and religious leaders."

PRINCIPLE ONE OF SINCERE PRAYER:

·       HEARTFELT

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God” Psalm 42:1

“The effectual fervent [one word in the Greek, energeo] prayer of a righteous man availeth much” James 5:16

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” Hebrews 10:22

Sometimes heartfelt prayers don’t even need words.

“Where ever you go preach the gospel and when necessary use words.” – St. Francis

^“In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don’t know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. All of our thoughts are known to God. He can understand what is in the mind of the Spirit, as the Spirit prays for God’s people.” Romans 8:26-27

Come to prayer fully focused and fully engaged.

Come to prayer giving God your best not your leftovers.

Maybe this is why fasting is so helpful. What do you think?

Do you offer heartfelt prayers to God when you pray?

PRINCIPLE TWO OF SINCERE PRAYER:

·       HONORING

"You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name… 

Honoring God means giving Him His place. He’s God, you’re not!

Honoring God means recognizing your place – dependent on Him!

Honoring God means giving Him first place in your heart and mind.

"'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Matthew 15:8

“Jesus told a story to some people who thought they were better than others and who looked down on everyone else: Two men went into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed,  “God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people. And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. I go without eating for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn. ”The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven. He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, “God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner.” Then Jesus said, “When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.” Luke 18:9-14

PRINCIPLE THREE OF SINCERE PRAYER:

·       HUMBLING

“Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven.”

Jesus is saying that humility is a matter of knowing whose Kingdom it is AND being happy about it – welcoming it and promoting it and extending it!

“Do you doubt the Scriptures that say, “God truly cares about the Spirit he has put in us”? In fact, God treats us with even greater kindness, just as the Scriptures say, “God opposes everyone who is proud, but he is kind to everyone who is humble.” Surrender to God! Resist the devil, and he will run from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Clean up your lives, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you people who can’t make up your mind.  Be sad and sorry and weep. Stop laughing and start crying. Be gloomy instead of glad. Be humble in the Lord’s presence, and he will honor you.” James 4:5-10

Humility is understanding you are under authority and being grateful about it.

                   

“An African tribe expresses gratitude in a similar way by saying, “I sit on the ground before you.” When someone wants to make his gratitude known, he goes and just sits quietly for a period of time in front of the hut of the person to whom he is grateful.

One of the fundamental qualities invariably found in a grateful person is humility. Gratitude is the overflow of a humble heart, just as surely as an ungrateful, complaining spirit flows out of a proud heart.

Proud people are wrapped up in themselves. They think much of themselves and little of others. If people or circumstances don’t please or suit them, they are prone to whine or become resentful. This month’s study reminds us that “God opposes the proud.” The concept is that He stiff-arms them, He keeps them at a distance, He “sets Himself in battle array” against them.

But when we choose to humble ourselves, as we are exhorted in James 4, God draws near to us and pours His grace into our lives. His Spirit does a cleansing, purifying work in our hearts; gives us victory over the noisy, demanding tyrant of self; and enables us to be thankful people, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Humble people are wrapped up in Christ. A humble person thinks much of God and others, and little–if at all–of himself. He recognizes that anything he has is better than he deserves. He does not feel anyone owes him anything. He does not feel entitled to have more, or for life to be easy, or for everyone to love him and treat him well. He is grateful for the least little kindness that is extended to him, knowing it is more than he deserves.”  NANCY DeMOSS – “Decision Online”

PRINCIPLE FOUR OF SINCERE PRAYER

·       HONESTY

“Give us our food for today. Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil." Matthew 6:9-13

“OK, GOD, HERE IS WHAT I THINK I NEED BUT I ALSO UNDERSTAND YOU KNOW WHAT I NEED.”

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask…”, Matthew 6:8

HONESTY PROTECTS YOU FROM WORRY

“I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth more than birds? Can worry make you live longer? Why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow. They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth  wasn’t as well clothed as one of them. God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. He will surely do even more for you! Why do you have such little faith? Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these.  But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today. Matthew 6:25-34

ANOTHER KEY TO HONESTY IS COMING INTO AGREEMENT WITH GOD.

"Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:19

“If we confess (honestly agree with God) our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

Praying sincerely means:

·       Heartfelt

·       Honoring

·       Humbling

·       Honesty

The Actual Lord's Prayer

"When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward. When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you.  When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask." Matthew 6:5-8

Jesus says that when you pray you should pray sincerely. All this week I have been sharing some classic Biblical prayers that capture the intimacy and intensity of sincere praying.

I want to share two more powerful prayers before I recommend four characteristics of sincere praying.

This first prayer is what we call the "Lord's Prayer" but is more accurately the "Disciples Prayer" since it is the prayer Jesus taught them to pray. I'm sure you have prayed it numerous times!

"You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name. Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven. Give us our food for today. Forgive us for doing wrong,  as we forgive others. Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil." Matthew 6:9-13

And, here is the actual Lord's Prayer! This is the prayer Jesus prayed to His Father near the end of His earthly ministry. It is perhaps the most intense and moving prayer among many in the Bible.

"After Jesus had finished speaking to his disciples, he looked up toward heaven and prayed: Father, the time has come for you to bring glory to your Son, in order that he may bring glory to you. And you gave him power over all people, so that he would give eternal life to everyone you give him. Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent. I have brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you gave me to do. Now, Father, give me back the glory that I had with you before the world was created. You have given me some followers from this world, and I have shown them what you are like. They were yours, but you gave them to me, and they have obeyed you. They know that you gave me everything I have. I told my followers what you told me, and they accepted it. They know that I came from you, and they believe that you are the one who sent me. I am praying for them, but not for those who belong to this world. My followers belong to you, and I am praying for them. All that I have is yours, and all that you have is mine, and they will bring glory to me. Holy Father, I am no longer in the world. I am coming to you, but my followers are still in the world. So keep them safe by the power of the name that you have given me. Then they will be one with each other, just as you and I are one. While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost, except the one who had to be lost. This happened so that what the Scriptures say would come true. I am on my way to you. But I say these things while I am still in the world, so that my followers will have the same complete joy that I do. I have told them your message. But the people of this world hate them, because they don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t. Father, I don’t ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. They don’t belong to this world, and neither do I. Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me. I have given myself completely for their sake, so that they may belong completely to the truth.  I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me. I have honored my followers in the same way that you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one. I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world’s people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me. Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me, wherever I am. Then they will see the glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the world was created. Good Father, the people of this world don’t know you. But I know you, and my followers know that you sent me. I told them what you are like, and I will tell them even more. Then the love that you have for me will become part of them, and I will be one with them." John 17:1-26

Wow! Thank you, Jesus for praying for me! I want to live up the standard expressed in this prayer. Will you please help me, Jesus?

October 6, 2016

"When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward." Matthew 6:5

Still another sincere prayer for your consideration and mediation. I'll bet you will identify with parts of David's prayer - if not all of it!

 "Listen while I build my case, God,

    the most honest prayer you’ll ever hear.

Show the world I’m innocent—

    in your heart you know I am.

3 

Go ahead, examine me from inside out,

    surprise me in the middle of the night—

You’ll find I’m just what I say I am.

    My words don’t run loose.

4- 

I’m not trying to get my way

    in the world’s way.

I’m trying to get your way,

    your Word’s way.

I’m staying on your trail;

    I’m putting one foot

In front of the other.

    I’m not giving up.

6- 

I call to you, God, because I’m sure of an answer.

    So—answer! bend your ear! listen sharp!

Paint grace-graffiti on the fences;

    take in your frightened children who

Are running from the neighborhood bullies

    straight to you.

8- 

Keep your eye on me;

    hide me under your cool wing feathers

From the wicked who are out to get me,

    from mortal enemies closing in.

10 

Their hearts are hard as nails,

    their mouths blast hot air.

They are after me, nipping my heels,

    determined to bring me down,

Lions ready to rip me apart,

    young lions poised to pounce.

Up, God: beard them! break them!

    By your sword, free me from their clutches;

Barehanded, God, break these mortals,

    these flat-earth people who can’t think beyond today.

I’d like to see their bellies

    swollen with famine food,

The weeds they’ve sown

    harvested and baked into famine bread,

With second helpings for their children

    and crusts for their babies to chew on.

15 

And me? I plan on looking

    you full in the face. When I get up,

I’ll see your full stature

    and live heaven on earth." Psalm 17

AMEN!