Although the rain came falling down, spirits were high, as the New Hope family gathered at the Valley Bowl on Main street in Salinas.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Unanswered Prayers
I am so glad that God will overrule my prayers at times, because I have prayed for things fervently, believing they were the will of God, and they were flat-out wrong. I am so thankful that God said no to those prayers.
Yet I have heard some people say, "Never pray, 'Not my will, but Yours be done.' That is a lack of faith." Some have even said, "What you should really pray is, 'Not Your will, but mine be done.' Let's just say that I don't want to be standing too close to those people when lightning strikes, because they have things turned around.
Never be afraid to pray, "Not my will, but Yours be done." By saying that, you are simply saying, "Lord, I don't know all the facts. I don't know everything there is to know. My knowledge is limited. My experience is limited. So if what I am praying is outside of Your will for any reason, please graciously overrule it." You won't always understand how you should pray. What it comes down to is telling God that you want His will more than your own.
I know this is hard at times. Sometimes you don't understand why God doesn't give you what you ask for. When you are young and single, you may see a handsome guy or beautiful girl and just know that person is the one for you. But as the lyrics to a country song say, "Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers."
As time passes, you will look back with 20/20 hindsight, and you will say, "Thank God He did not answer my prayers," or "Thank God He answered my prayers," whichever the case may be.
Scripture Of The Day: And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." - Luke 22:41-42 (NKJV)
Yet I have heard some people say, "Never pray, 'Not my will, but Yours be done.' That is a lack of faith." Some have even said, "What you should really pray is, 'Not Your will, but mine be done.' Let's just say that I don't want to be standing too close to those people when lightning strikes, because they have things turned around.
Never be afraid to pray, "Not my will, but Yours be done." By saying that, you are simply saying, "Lord, I don't know all the facts. I don't know everything there is to know. My knowledge is limited. My experience is limited. So if what I am praying is outside of Your will for any reason, please graciously overrule it." You won't always understand how you should pray. What it comes down to is telling God that you want His will more than your own.
I know this is hard at times. Sometimes you don't understand why God doesn't give you what you ask for. When you are young and single, you may see a handsome guy or beautiful girl and just know that person is the one for you. But as the lyrics to a country song say, "Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers."
As time passes, you will look back with 20/20 hindsight, and you will say, "Thank God He did not answer my prayers," or "Thank God He answered my prayers," whichever the case may be.
Scripture Of The Day: And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." - Luke 22:41-42 (NKJV)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Top Ten Leadership Principles of Jesus
The Top Ten Leadership Principles of Jesus
1. Learn that leadership is servanthood. Servanthood begins with security. Jesus knew His position and was willing to not flaunt it. Jesus knew His calling and was willing to be faithful to it. Jesus knew His future and was willing to submit to it.
2. Let your purpose prioritize your life. Because Jesus developed priorities based upon His purpose:
• He successfully dealt with distractions.
• He wisely responded to personal rejection.
• He willingly suffered pain.
3. Live the life before you lead others. Jesus never begged anyone to believe in Him. He knew that integrity cannot be proven; it must be discerned. He never wasted time with critics. He kept His attention on His goal. He stayed focused.
4. Walk slowly through the crowd. Leadership impact is drawn not from official position, but from authentic relationships. (John 4:5-30, 8:1-11) "You will never possess what you are unwilling to pursue." Jesus knew this.
5. Replenish yourself. Life is demanding. People are demanding. The more you succeed, the more you lead, the more people will demand of you. Replenishing yourself requires your attention. Faith walks out when fatigue walks in.
6. Call for great commitment. Jesus had the greatest product on earth - Salvation. He offered the human race an opportunity to have a relationship with God. He spoke of heaven and angels. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you" (John 14:2).
7. Show security and strength when handling the tough issues. Jesus rose early. He who masters his time, masters his life. Jesus:
• Remained calm during difficult times.
• Agreed with his adversaries quickly.
• Handled wrong doing immediately.
• Finished what He started.
8. Lead on a higher level. Jesus lived on a higher level. Stop looking at where you have been and start looking at where you are going. Jesus loved on a higher level. God never consults your past to determine your future. Jesus led on a higher level.
9. Choose your key people.
10. Remember, there is no success without a successor.
1. Learn that leadership is servanthood. Servanthood begins with security. Jesus knew His position and was willing to not flaunt it. Jesus knew His calling and was willing to be faithful to it. Jesus knew His future and was willing to submit to it.
2. Let your purpose prioritize your life. Because Jesus developed priorities based upon His purpose:
• He successfully dealt with distractions.
• He wisely responded to personal rejection.
• He willingly suffered pain.
3. Live the life before you lead others. Jesus never begged anyone to believe in Him. He knew that integrity cannot be proven; it must be discerned. He never wasted time with critics. He kept His attention on His goal. He stayed focused.
4. Walk slowly through the crowd. Leadership impact is drawn not from official position, but from authentic relationships. (John 4:5-30, 8:1-11) "You will never possess what you are unwilling to pursue." Jesus knew this.
5. Replenish yourself. Life is demanding. People are demanding. The more you succeed, the more you lead, the more people will demand of you. Replenishing yourself requires your attention. Faith walks out when fatigue walks in.
6. Call for great commitment. Jesus had the greatest product on earth - Salvation. He offered the human race an opportunity to have a relationship with God. He spoke of heaven and angels. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you" (John 14:2).
7. Show security and strength when handling the tough issues. Jesus rose early. He who masters his time, masters his life. Jesus:
• Remained calm during difficult times.
• Agreed with his adversaries quickly.
• Handled wrong doing immediately.
• Finished what He started.
8. Lead on a higher level. Jesus lived on a higher level. Stop looking at where you have been and start looking at where you are going. Jesus loved on a higher level. God never consults your past to determine your future. Jesus led on a higher level.
9. Choose your key people.
10. Remember, there is no success without a successor.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Looking for A Few Water Walkers
Matthew 14:22-33
(If you want to walk on water you’ve got to get out of the boat)
Instead of recognizing that he was the only disciple who even got out of the boat, he’s criticized for his lack of faith
This morning I want us to discover some principles for walking on water from Matthew 14. The best "how-to" book on the subject is by John Ortberg. I’d like to recommend it as your Summer time reading. My outline and much of the content of this sermon draws on John's book - I commend it to you. Which brings me to my first point about water walking.
1. Water Walkers will face Storms (14:22-24)
When you are serving God, and trying to be obedient to Christ, you will have to face storms. I’m not talking about physical storms that are common in nature, but the storms of trials and difficulty. Even sitting here today, you may be going through a storm. Maybe it’s money problems, or problems in a relationship. You might be having family problems, or problems at your job or school. We all have storms in life. Anyone who tells you Christianity is smooth sailing doesn’t understand what the Bible teaches about serving the Lord. 2 Tim. 3:12 says, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Remember, the disciples were in a storm because they were trying to be obedient to Christ. Now that’s not the only reason storms come in the lives of believers. Remember Jonah? He had to go through a storm for correction, but on this occasion, for the disciples, this wasn’t a corrective storm because they were doing what Jesus had commanded them to do. Verse 22 says “Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side” And they did, or at least they tried to. And six hours later they had not made much progress. So remember first of all, obedient water walkers will face storms. Not if, but when you do, remember secondly,
2. Water walkers recognize God’s presence (14:25-28)
Recognise God’s presence in the storms. Jesus wanted to be alone to pray, so they were sent ahead without him. To them it was no big deal – they used boats for fishing on a daily basis. But this huge storm blew in – bigger than most storms. Matthew says that the boat was “buffeted” by the waves. It was so violent that the only thing the disciples could do was to keep the boat upright. (14:24)
By 3:00 am the storm was getting really bad. I can imagine that at that point – they weren’t worried about making it to the other side, – they just wanted to stay alive. Let that sink in. The disciples were in distress. It is about this time that Jesus decides to come toward them. Won’t He show up in the nick of time…
It’s interesting… he wasn’t in a boat and the disciples didn’t recognize him. (v. 25) It’s also interesting… being boatless didn’t seem to slow Jesus down at all. The disciples were convinced he was a ghost, so they were terrified and cried out in fear. (v.26) But Matthew wants us to know that sometimes it takes eyes of faith to recognize when Jesus is around.
Often during our own lives… we are tormented by waves of disappointment and doubt. And we are no better at recognizing his presence than they were. Probe with me a little today… what was Jesus up to, walking around on the lake at 3:00 am in the morning?
Mark tells us that Jesus “intended to pass them by” on the water, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost. Why did Jesus want to “pass by them?” “He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them” (Mark 6:48)
He was revealing his divine presence and power. It is interesting that the disciples entered the boat in the first place at Jesus’ command. (Matthew 14:22). They would have to learn – as does everyone in this room – that obedience is no guarantee of being spared adversity. But now… the storm has their full attention. Jesus decided that it was time for the disciples to get to know a little bit more about the guy who was piloting this storm.
Basically… Jesus wanted them to be able to trust him also in the storms. The problem was… “they just didn’t get it.” God was visiting them while walking on the water but they couldn’t see it. Matthew wants his readers to know that Jesus often comes when least expected – 3:00 a.m., in the middle of a storm. I believe that human extremity is a frequent meeting place with God. These are those divinely appointed defining moments that come into all of our lives. And… if you’re not looking for him, you just might miss him.
Twelve disciples sat in the boat and we don’t know how the other eleven responded to that voice. Were they confused? Did they respond with wonder? Disbelief? Or perhaps… a little of each! But one of them, Peter, was about to become a water walker. He recognized that God was present – even in the most unlikely place. He realized that this was an extraordinary opportunity for spiritual adventure and growth. So he got an idea. He decided to do something religious.
Remember, first, water walkers will face storms.
Secondly, water walkers recognize God’s presence.
3. Water walkers discern between faith and foolishness (14:28)
Peter blurted out to the water walker, “if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” (Matthew 14:28) Why does Matthew include this detail? Why doesn’t Peter just plunge into the water? I think it’s for a very important reason. This is not just a story about risk taking; it is primarily a story about obedience. That means i will have to discern between an authentic call from God and what might simply be a foolish impulse on my part. Courage alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by wisdom and discernment. Matthew is not just glorifying risk-taking. This is not a story about extreme sports. Its about extreme discipleship! This means that before Peter gets out of the boat – he had better make sure Jesus thinks it’s good idea. So he asks for clarity, “if it is you, command me…” I don’t know… but in that darkness – i think Jesus smiled. Maybe he laughed because one person got it. Peter had some inkling of what it is that the master was doing.
Not only that, Peter had enough faith to believe that he too could share the adventure. He decided he wanted to be part of history’s original water-walk. “command me.” Water walkers will face storms. Water walkers recognize God’s presence. Water walkers discern between faith and foolishness.
4. Water walkers get out of the boat (14:29)
Put yourself in the story. Picture in your mind how violent the storm must have been. It was strong enough to keep seasoned professionals struggling just to avoid being capsized. Imagine the size of the waves, the strength of the wind, the darkness of this night – and … no acupressure wrist bands or sea-legs tablets. These were the conditions under which Peter was gong to get out of the boat. It would be tough enough to try to walk on water when the water is calm, the sun is bright, and the air is still. Imagine trying to do it when the waves are crashing, the wind is at gale force, and it’s 3:00 a.m. in the morning… and you are terrified!
Put yourself in Peter’s place for a moment. You have a sudden insight into what Jesus is doing – the lord is passing by. Jesus is inviting you to go the adventure of your life. But at the same time, you’re scared to death. What would you choose – the water or the boat? The boat is safe, secure, and comfortable. On the other hand, the water is rough. The waves are high. The wind is strong. There’s a storm out there. And if you get out of the boat – whatever your boat happens to be – there’s a good chance you might sink! But… if you don’t get out of the boat – there’s a guaranteed certainty that you will never walk on the water. If you want to walk on water –you’ve got to get out of the boat. I believe there is something – someone – inside us who tells us there is more to life than sitting in the boat.
You and i were made for something more than merely avoiding failure. There’s something inside you that wants to walk on the water – to leave the comfort of routine existence and abandon yourself to the high adventure of following God. So let me ask you a very important question: what’s your boat? • your boat is whatever represents safety and security to you apart from God himself. • your boat is whatever you are tempted to put your trust in, especially when life gets a little stormy. • your boat is whatever keeps you so comfortable that you don’t want to give it up even if it’s keeping you from joining Jesus on the waves. • your boat is whatever pulls you away from the high adventure of extreme discipleship. Do you want to know what your boat is? Your fear will tell you. Just ask yourself this: what is it that most produces fear in me – especially when i think of leaving it behind and stepping out in faith? Vocation? Relationship? Successes? Failures? What area(s) in your life are shrinking back from fully and courageously trusting God? Fear will tell you what your boat is. Leaving it may be the hardest thing you ever do. But if you want to walk on the water, you’ve got to get out of the boat! Lets recap. Water walkers will face storms.
Water walkers recognize God’s presence.
Water walkers discern between faith and foolishness
Water walkers get out of the boat.
(If you want to walk on water you’ve got to get out of the boat)
Instead of recognizing that he was the only disciple who even got out of the boat, he’s criticized for his lack of faith
This morning I want us to discover some principles for walking on water from Matthew 14. The best "how-to" book on the subject is by John Ortberg. I’d like to recommend it as your Summer time reading. My outline and much of the content of this sermon draws on John's book - I commend it to you. Which brings me to my first point about water walking.
1. Water Walkers will face Storms (14:22-24)
When you are serving God, and trying to be obedient to Christ, you will have to face storms. I’m not talking about physical storms that are common in nature, but the storms of trials and difficulty. Even sitting here today, you may be going through a storm. Maybe it’s money problems, or problems in a relationship. You might be having family problems, or problems at your job or school. We all have storms in life. Anyone who tells you Christianity is smooth sailing doesn’t understand what the Bible teaches about serving the Lord. 2 Tim. 3:12 says, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Remember, the disciples were in a storm because they were trying to be obedient to Christ. Now that’s not the only reason storms come in the lives of believers. Remember Jonah? He had to go through a storm for correction, but on this occasion, for the disciples, this wasn’t a corrective storm because they were doing what Jesus had commanded them to do. Verse 22 says “Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side” And they did, or at least they tried to. And six hours later they had not made much progress. So remember first of all, obedient water walkers will face storms. Not if, but when you do, remember secondly,
2. Water walkers recognize God’s presence (14:25-28)
Recognise God’s presence in the storms. Jesus wanted to be alone to pray, so they were sent ahead without him. To them it was no big deal – they used boats for fishing on a daily basis. But this huge storm blew in – bigger than most storms. Matthew says that the boat was “buffeted” by the waves. It was so violent that the only thing the disciples could do was to keep the boat upright. (14:24)
By 3:00 am the storm was getting really bad. I can imagine that at that point – they weren’t worried about making it to the other side, – they just wanted to stay alive. Let that sink in. The disciples were in distress. It is about this time that Jesus decides to come toward them. Won’t He show up in the nick of time…
It’s interesting… he wasn’t in a boat and the disciples didn’t recognize him. (v. 25) It’s also interesting… being boatless didn’t seem to slow Jesus down at all. The disciples were convinced he was a ghost, so they were terrified and cried out in fear. (v.26) But Matthew wants us to know that sometimes it takes eyes of faith to recognize when Jesus is around.
Often during our own lives… we are tormented by waves of disappointment and doubt. And we are no better at recognizing his presence than they were. Probe with me a little today… what was Jesus up to, walking around on the lake at 3:00 am in the morning?
Mark tells us that Jesus “intended to pass them by” on the water, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost. Why did Jesus want to “pass by them?” “He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them” (Mark 6:48)
He was revealing his divine presence and power. It is interesting that the disciples entered the boat in the first place at Jesus’ command. (Matthew 14:22). They would have to learn – as does everyone in this room – that obedience is no guarantee of being spared adversity. But now… the storm has their full attention. Jesus decided that it was time for the disciples to get to know a little bit more about the guy who was piloting this storm.
Basically… Jesus wanted them to be able to trust him also in the storms. The problem was… “they just didn’t get it.” God was visiting them while walking on the water but they couldn’t see it. Matthew wants his readers to know that Jesus often comes when least expected – 3:00 a.m., in the middle of a storm. I believe that human extremity is a frequent meeting place with God. These are those divinely appointed defining moments that come into all of our lives. And… if you’re not looking for him, you just might miss him.
Twelve disciples sat in the boat and we don’t know how the other eleven responded to that voice. Were they confused? Did they respond with wonder? Disbelief? Or perhaps… a little of each! But one of them, Peter, was about to become a water walker. He recognized that God was present – even in the most unlikely place. He realized that this was an extraordinary opportunity for spiritual adventure and growth. So he got an idea. He decided to do something religious.
Remember, first, water walkers will face storms.
Secondly, water walkers recognize God’s presence.
3. Water walkers discern between faith and foolishness (14:28)
Peter blurted out to the water walker, “if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” (Matthew 14:28) Why does Matthew include this detail? Why doesn’t Peter just plunge into the water? I think it’s for a very important reason. This is not just a story about risk taking; it is primarily a story about obedience. That means i will have to discern between an authentic call from God and what might simply be a foolish impulse on my part. Courage alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by wisdom and discernment. Matthew is not just glorifying risk-taking. This is not a story about extreme sports. Its about extreme discipleship! This means that before Peter gets out of the boat – he had better make sure Jesus thinks it’s good idea. So he asks for clarity, “if it is you, command me…” I don’t know… but in that darkness – i think Jesus smiled. Maybe he laughed because one person got it. Peter had some inkling of what it is that the master was doing.
Not only that, Peter had enough faith to believe that he too could share the adventure. He decided he wanted to be part of history’s original water-walk. “command me.” Water walkers will face storms. Water walkers recognize God’s presence. Water walkers discern between faith and foolishness.
4. Water walkers get out of the boat (14:29)
Put yourself in the story. Picture in your mind how violent the storm must have been. It was strong enough to keep seasoned professionals struggling just to avoid being capsized. Imagine the size of the waves, the strength of the wind, the darkness of this night – and … no acupressure wrist bands or sea-legs tablets. These were the conditions under which Peter was gong to get out of the boat. It would be tough enough to try to walk on water when the water is calm, the sun is bright, and the air is still. Imagine trying to do it when the waves are crashing, the wind is at gale force, and it’s 3:00 a.m. in the morning… and you are terrified!
Put yourself in Peter’s place for a moment. You have a sudden insight into what Jesus is doing – the lord is passing by. Jesus is inviting you to go the adventure of your life. But at the same time, you’re scared to death. What would you choose – the water or the boat? The boat is safe, secure, and comfortable. On the other hand, the water is rough. The waves are high. The wind is strong. There’s a storm out there. And if you get out of the boat – whatever your boat happens to be – there’s a good chance you might sink! But… if you don’t get out of the boat – there’s a guaranteed certainty that you will never walk on the water. If you want to walk on water –you’ve got to get out of the boat. I believe there is something – someone – inside us who tells us there is more to life than sitting in the boat.
You and i were made for something more than merely avoiding failure. There’s something inside you that wants to walk on the water – to leave the comfort of routine existence and abandon yourself to the high adventure of following God. So let me ask you a very important question: what’s your boat? • your boat is whatever represents safety and security to you apart from God himself. • your boat is whatever you are tempted to put your trust in, especially when life gets a little stormy. • your boat is whatever keeps you so comfortable that you don’t want to give it up even if it’s keeping you from joining Jesus on the waves. • your boat is whatever pulls you away from the high adventure of extreme discipleship. Do you want to know what your boat is? Your fear will tell you. Just ask yourself this: what is it that most produces fear in me – especially when i think of leaving it behind and stepping out in faith? Vocation? Relationship? Successes? Failures? What area(s) in your life are shrinking back from fully and courageously trusting God? Fear will tell you what your boat is. Leaving it may be the hardest thing you ever do. But if you want to walk on the water, you’ve got to get out of the boat! Lets recap. Water walkers will face storms.
Water walkers recognize God’s presence.
Water walkers discern between faith and foolishness
Water walkers get out of the boat.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Confidence In Prayer
Are you tired of praying and not getting results in your prayer life? If so, you probably need to examine your confidence level in this area. A lack of confidence in prayer simply comes from not knowing God's Word. Too many Christians pray emotional, fear-based prayers, hoping that they get through to God. However, He does not respond to emotionalism; He responds to His Word. To pray apart from the Word of God won't get results. But when you have confidence in the Word and say to God what He has already spoken, your life will change forever.
It is critical for you to first find out what God has said in the Bible about your situation in order to effectively pray about it. For example, if you need healing, instead of begging God to heal you, begin to confess 1 Peter 2:24 which declares that you have already been healed by the stripes of Jesus. If it is financial prosperity that you need to become a reality in your life, find scriptures on wealth and declare them in faith. Your first step in prayer is to discover the promises of God in the Bible. Then you can release your faith by saying them in your prayer time.
Jesus walked in the most powerful ministry ever known to man because He practiced the presence of God and had a strong prayer life. The scripture says that He often took time away from other people to pray and spend time with the Father (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:18). This was one of the keys to His ability to perform miracles and do other great works. He had total confidence in His Father because He spent time with Him in prayer. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that He could never fail because of His confidence in God's Word.
Just like Jesus, your prayer life must be activated by faith, which is a practical expression of your confidence in God and His Word; and your confidence comes by spending time in meditating on the scriptures. Joshua 1:8 says, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Simply repeating the scriptures is not enough. The key to success in your prayer life is meditation.
To meditate the Word is to ponder, mutter or consider it in your mind until you have gotten revelation out of it. When you discover the deeper meaning behind a scripture, and God speaks to you personally about it, you have the ammunition you need to take that scripture with you in your prayer time and boldly release your faith when you confess it.
As Believers, we are to follow Jesus' example. His life is evidence of what happens when a person is continually connected to God's presence and lives a life of meditation. When you do, your confidence will be bolstered and you will begin to experience supernatural results every time you pray.
Scripture Of The Day: "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." - Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
It is critical for you to first find out what God has said in the Bible about your situation in order to effectively pray about it. For example, if you need healing, instead of begging God to heal you, begin to confess 1 Peter 2:24 which declares that you have already been healed by the stripes of Jesus. If it is financial prosperity that you need to become a reality in your life, find scriptures on wealth and declare them in faith. Your first step in prayer is to discover the promises of God in the Bible. Then you can release your faith by saying them in your prayer time.
Jesus walked in the most powerful ministry ever known to man because He practiced the presence of God and had a strong prayer life. The scripture says that He often took time away from other people to pray and spend time with the Father (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:18). This was one of the keys to His ability to perform miracles and do other great works. He had total confidence in His Father because He spent time with Him in prayer. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that He could never fail because of His confidence in God's Word.
Just like Jesus, your prayer life must be activated by faith, which is a practical expression of your confidence in God and His Word; and your confidence comes by spending time in meditating on the scriptures. Joshua 1:8 says, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Simply repeating the scriptures is not enough. The key to success in your prayer life is meditation.
To meditate the Word is to ponder, mutter or consider it in your mind until you have gotten revelation out of it. When you discover the deeper meaning behind a scripture, and God speaks to you personally about it, you have the ammunition you need to take that scripture with you in your prayer time and boldly release your faith when you confess it.
As Believers, we are to follow Jesus' example. His life is evidence of what happens when a person is continually connected to God's presence and lives a life of meditation. When you do, your confidence will be bolstered and you will begin to experience supernatural results every time you pray.
Scripture Of The Day: "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." - Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
Saturday, March 5, 2011
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