Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

13 That is why you need to put on God's
full armor. Then on the day of evil you will
be able to stand strong. And when you
have finished the whole fight, you will still
be standing.14 So stand strong, with the
belt of truth tied around your waist and the
protection of right living on your chest.
15 On your feet wear the Good News of
peace to help you stand strong.16 And
also use the shield of faith with which you
can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil
One.17 Accept God's salvation as your
helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.18 Pray in the
Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers,
asking for everything you need. To do this
you must always be ready and never give
up. Always pray for all God's people.
Ephesians 6:13-18 (New Century Version)

Reflection:

When I was younger I heard a great deal,
especially from my Christian friends, about the "power
of the Spirit".  I began to ask the question "How
do I get this Spiritual Power?" 
I began to realize that to develop real spiritual
power I need to let go of my old ways of
doing things.  This was a way of life that I had
gotten extremely use too, it was a way of life that
was very much a part of me, it was me!  I was a
liar, I often displayed anger, I had a terrible attitude
towards myself and those around me and I
just didn't care about people or for that matter God.

I then realized that God wanted to help me
replace this life of sin with a new and powerful
spirit filled approach that uses honesty, goodness,
calmness and peacefulness, faith in God, forgiveness
through Jesus Christ, wisdom from the scriptures,
compassion and love towards others.
When I realized this "life change", I felt within
me real spiritual power. 

PLEASE CHANGE YOUR LIFE NOW AND FEEL THE
POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN YOU!
ACCEPT GOD'S SALVATION!

Prayer:

Breath in me, Spirit  of God,
that I may think what is holy;
drive me, Spirit of God,
that I may do what is holy;
draw me Spirit of God,
that I may love what is holy;
strengthen me, Spirit of God,
that I may preserve what is holy;
guard me, Spirit of God,
that I may never lose what is holy.
AMEN

He was just a little boy,
On a week's first day.
Wandering home from Bible
school, And dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass;
He even found a caterpillar. He found
a fluffy milkweed pod, And blew out
all the 'filler.'

A bird's nest in a tree overhead, So
wisely placed up so high.. Was
just another wonder, That caught
his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his zigzag
course, And hailed him from the
lawn; Asked him where he'd been
that day And what was going on.

'I've been to Bible School ,'
He said and turned a piece of sod.
He picked up a wiggly worm replying,
'I've learned a lot about God.'

'M'm, very fine way,' the neighbor said,
'for a boy to spend his time.' 'If you'll
tell me where God is, I'll give you a
brand new dime.'

Quick as a flash the answer came!
Nor were his accents faint. 'I'll give
you a dollar, Mister, If you can tell
me where God ain't.'

from Our Daily Bread

Scripture:

They found the stone rolled away
from the tomb. Then they went in and
did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Luke 24:2-3

Reflection:

People tend to remember negative images
more than they do positive ones, according
to an experiment conducted at the University
of Chicago. While people claim that they want
to turn away from the barrage of bad news in
the media—reports on tragedies, diseases,
economic downturns—this study suggests that
their minds are drawn to the stories.

Catherine Hankey (1834-1911) was more
interested in the “good news.” She had a great
desire to see young women come to know Christ.
In 1866, she became very ill. As she lay in bed,
she thought about all those with whom she had
shared the story of Jesus’ redemption, and she
wished that someone would visit and comfort her
with “the old, old story.” That’s when she wrote
the poem that later became a hymn,
“Tell Me the Old, Old Story”:

Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in—

That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.

Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon;

The early dew of morning has passed away at noon.

We never tire of hearing the story that because of
His great love God sent His one and only Son to this
earth (John 3:16). He lived a perfect life, took our sin
upon Himself when He was crucified, and 3 days later
rose again (Luke 23:44-24:3). When we receive Him
as our Savior, we are given eternal life and become
His children (John 1:12).

Tell someone the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
They need some good news.

The good news of Christ is the best news in the world.