Christian Reflection and Prayer

When We Feel Trapped

2008-08-21T01:16:25+02:00

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (New Century Version)

7 We have this treasure from God, but we are like clay
jars that hold the treasure. This shows that the great
power is from God, not from us.8 We have troubles
all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not
know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of
living.9 We are persecuted, but God does not leave us.
We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.
10 We carry the death of Jesus in our own bodies so
that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.11
We are alive, but for Jesus we are always in danger of
death so that the life of Jesus can be seen in our bodies
that die.12 So death is working in us, but life is working in you.

Reflection:

Do you ever feel trapped, I mean really trapped.
I know I do. It seems like sometimes my problems
are surrounding me even to the point that I see no
way out. There are a lot of people who feel that way.
It's like I'm in a trash compactor, and my problems
keep closing in on me, to the point of crushing
me. I feel defeated by all my problems.
This is how it was before I became a Christian. I
was defeated, I was in a constant depression.
I felt so worthless and so afraid of my problems,
I refused to get out of bed. Unfortunately this
happens to a lot of people, and it is a very real
problem in many families. How did I over come
this depression? In my bed I discovered life and
true victory through what Jesus Christ has done for me
by dying on the cross and rising again. That's
right through prayer, study, and meditation, I found
victory in Jesus. Just believe, and He stands
victorious for you!!!!!

Prayer:

Oh God I Believe!

Watch Out For False Prophets

2008-08-17T23:02:02+02:00

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV

3But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the
serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led
astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
4For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus
other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a
different spirit from the one you received, or a different
gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it
easily enough.

2 Corinthians 11:12-15 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

12And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order
to cut the ground from under those who want an
opportunity to be considered equal with us in the
things they boast about. 13For such men are false
apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as
apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for Satan
himself masquerades as an angel of light.
15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade
as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what
their actions deserve.

Reflection:

There is the story of of English robber called Captain
Thunderbolt who escaped the law and moved to the
eastern US in 1818, he began practicing medicine. He
took on the name Dr. John Wilson. Often he wore three
suits of clothes to escape recognition by making himself
look larger and covering up a deformed leg.
Just before the man died, he asked his friends to bury
him without removing his clothes. But to prepare his
body for proper burial, that request could not be honored.
The mortician was surprised to find scars from wounds
and a withered leg. A search of "Dr. Wilson's" house
revealed a stash of watches, jewelry, and diamonds.
The sheriff learned that the doctor was in fact Thunderbolt,
a thief in disguise. They had been fooled.

Well the point is the devil and his followers have there
disguises too. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 11:15 "Satan's
ministers also transform themselves into ministers of
righteousness." And they are very good at it, you must
always stand guard. They are often very difficult to discover.
They are very deceptive. They look like you and me, they
often appear to be kind and loving, and they too often act like
they care. But they are really false teachers and they have
been around since the time of Paul. One way to tell that they
are false teachers, is that they teach false doctrine. You see
they almost always teach that your good deeds will bring you
rewards and salvation. And we know that this is not true,
because Paul warned us not to be deceived by the devil's
craftiness (v.3). The truth is: "By grace you have been saved
through faith...: it is the gift of God, not of works: *Eph. 2: 8-9);
PLEASE DON'T BE FOOLED
Remember= "Satan has many tools, but deception is the
handle that fits them all."

Prayer:

Lord I ask You for the power of the Holy Spirit so I can
recognize false teachers. Give me the strength and the
power to overcome their evil. Thank for Your love and Your
truth's. In Jesus Name Amen

When We Feel Discouraged

2008-08-10T17:13:32+02:00

Scripture:

We know that in everything God works for
the good of those who love Him. They
are the people He called because that
was His plan." (Romans 8:28) NLT

Reflection:

One of the most difficult things about
being a Christian is the concept that
when we are in the middle of a
discouraging situation in our lives,
we are to see the good in it. What
in the world is good about the pain of
divorce, or my child's real anger at me,
or the empty feeling you have because
of the total betrayal of trust in adultery.
The answer is... there are times I just don't
know. But there is one thing I know and
I believe, that God is working out His plan
for my good. It's true , I really believe this.
For example: One of my children, when
she was in her teens, became very, very
angry with me. This was a deep seeded
anger, and there was nothing I could do
to help. She wouldn't speak to me for
months, this was tearing both of us apart.
But I knew God had a plan for me and for
her, and through His wonderful grace, we
were able to work it out. Now we are closer
than ever. Praise the Lord! You see I am
a child of God, He takes care of me, God
has a plan for me. How about you, are
you His child!

Prayer:

Oh mighty God come into my heart, I want
to be your child. I want to believe. I know
that you are there for me and you bring the
good out in everything that happens in my.
life. Keep me focused oh God on the fact that
when bad things happen to me, I am a part
of Your plan, and You will show me the good.
In Jesus Name Amen.

WHY THE HECK GO TO CHURCH!

2008-08-03T04:13:38+02:00

Scripture: Exodus chapter 40 The Tabernacle Completed
(Read the whole chapter, it's not that long.)

v9. Take the anointing oil and sprinkle it on the Tabernacle
and on all its furnishings to make them holy. v10. Sprinkle
the anointing oil on the alter of burnt offering and its utensils,
sanctifying them. Then the altar will become most holy. v11.
Next anoint the large washbasin and its pedestal to make
them holy.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."
Matthew 18:20

Reflection:

You know a lot of people read this chapter, and end up
saying, Who cares? This chapter tells us about the
planning, and makeup and building of the Tabernacle
(the church). You may read this and think it's boring,
but there is some real meaning here for us. You see
this chapter is about worship, and how it should really
matter. Some how we take this beautiful concept that
God is everywhere, and use it as an excuse not to go to
church. We say I can worship God in my own way,
or I am worshiping God in nature, or I can worship
God at home listening to the football game. The truth is
it is important to go to church. You see we are not
a club, we are not a group, we are not even a charity.
We are members of a family! And the glue that holds
our family together is the Holy Spirit. We as a church
are the family of God. We as a family who gathers together
and worships our God. We commune, (have in common),
with each other and our God. What I recognize, is how
wonderful it is to have the honor to share in this divine
fellowship. Through church I never have to be alone, that
at any given time I can turn to Him and my church family
for direction.
" Your Christian community is essential to your
spiritual growth. It's members guide, correct, comfort,
and forgive you. God designed it that way. Think
about your "immediate family" in Christ, those you
worship and fellowship with. Thank God for the
ministry that each individual has in you life."
(Closer Walk).
THANK GOD FOR CHURCH!

Prayer:

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you
all" (2 Corinthians 13: 14)

When is the Best Time to Pray

2008-08-03T02:22:06+02:00

We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever
we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we
know he is listening when we make our requests,
we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.
1 John 5:14-15

I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers.
Because he bends down and listens, I will pray
as long as I have breath!
Psalm 116:1-2

I love this quote from C.S. Lewis

Seize any time

And talking of sleepiness, I entirely agree with you
that no one in his senses, if he has any power of
ordering his own day, would reserve his chief prayers
for bedtime—obviously the worst possible hour for
any action which needs concentration. The trouble
is that thousands of unfortunate people can hardly
find any other. Even for us, who are the lucky ones,
it is not always easy. My own plan, when hard-pressed,
is to seize any time and place, however unsuitable,
in preference to the last waking moment. On a day
of traveling—with, perhaps, some ghastly meeting
at the end of it—I'd rather pray sitting in a crowded
train than put it off till midnight when one reaches
a hotel bedroom with aching head and dry throat
and one's mind partly in a stupor and partly in a
whirl. On other, and slightly less crowded, days
a bench in a park or a back street where one can
pace up and down will do.
C. S. Lewis in Letters to Malcolm
Quoted in The Quotable Lewis edited by Wayne
Martindale and Jerry Root (Tyndale House) p 493)

Reflection:

Do you really believe that God listens to you?
Do you really believe that He bends down and
listens? I believe it! That is a very important part
of my faith.....to believe God listens to me. Why
would I have any faith in any kind of God that does
not listen to me. Because of my belief that my
Lord is listening to me, I pray often to God. One
thing that I do is anytime there is an accomplishment
made in my work, I thank God. Because I believe
God is listening I often ask him for help. When I am
faced with a problem I actually ask God "What
do you want me to do". And the most amazing thing is,
one way or another, He answers me. God makes
His presence known to me, my God is there for me
and always is listening. I try to never put off prayer,
I don't say God I'll talk to You later. No matter
what I'm doing or where I'm at, I'm mindful of Gods
presence. I've learned, in my Christian walk, that
the best time to talk with God IS NOW!

Prayer:

Lord I want to praise You and thank You for always
being there for me. You are a wonderful God. You
are compassionate, loving, and merciful, and I thank
You for loving me. Lord I don't need to prove that you
exist, because I know you exist because you are
always there for me. I just wanted to take time to
say......THANK YOU GOD........
I pray this Lord in the name
of Jesus Christ, Your Son, the Savior of the world.
Amen

When is the best time to pray

2008-07-27T22:45:34+02:00

Someone is There That Loves You

2008-07-19T17:59:33+02:00

Scripture:

42.Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you
come into your kingdom." 43. Jesus answered him,
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
(Luke 23:42,43) NIV

Reflection:

You know I understand what it's like to suffer for
past sins. I have done some things in my life that
I'm ashamed of and in some cases still bother me.
I have certainly not led a perfect life.
I used to let these past sins run my life. The very
way I used to be and things I did, made me
depressed, and left me with a feeling of guilt and
worthlessness. I felt lonely and very much unloved.

There are many things that happened when I opened
my heart, my spirit, my whole life to Jesus Christ.
But these two verses gave, and still give me hope.
(I have tears as I right these words) Here was a
man who believed. Who turned to this man called
Jesus, this man, who like him, was being executed
AND HE BELIEVED! HE BELIEVED! Earlier we
saw that this criminal, this sinner, knew that Jesus
was more than a man, and that Jesus had done
nothing to deserve this cruel death. He deserved
his punishment, but Jesus did not. And what did
this man do? He asked Christ to simply remember
him when he went to heaven. And how did Christ
respond? He told him that today he was going to
heaven with Him. The only person in the Scripture
that he promised heaven was this criminal, who was
considered the lowest of lows, this wretched man
was that very day going with Jesus to heaven.

Now I would like to tell you something that comes
from my heart. If Jesus Christ could love and forgive
and reward this man, who did so many terrible sins
....with eternal life. And He can love and forgive and
reward me, a terrible sinner.....with eternal life.
Then Jesus Christ loves and forgives you, and
rewards you with eternal life. ALL YOU HAVE TO
DO IS BELIEVE. JUST BELIEVE. Remember He
loves you and me no matter what we've done.
Just open your heart, your mind, your very soul
to Christ. BELIEVE

And to you brothers and sisters who already
believe, but maybe have troubles right now.
Remember these two verses and renew
yourselves in the very fact that Jesus loves you,
and forgives you and promises you eternal life.
HE IS THERE FOR YOU.

Prayer:

"Lord Jesus Your word has convinced me that
You are the Son of God- the Savior of the
world. Today, as best I know how, I receive You
and renew You into my heart by faith, asking You
to forgive my sins and become my Guide through life.
I realize that an almost faith is really no faith at
all. And so I hold nothing back from You. Lord
I am persuaded. Thank You that my life has been
invaded by Your loving presence. In Jesus Name
AMEN

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I

FOURTH OF JULY PRAYER

2008-07-03T19:23:45+02:00

Dear Lord,

There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience
this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for
me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are
free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.

On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those
who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example
of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both
physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember
that my freedom was purchases with a very high price.
My freedom cost others their very lives.

Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue
to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty
meet their needs and watch over their families.

Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord.
Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else's
life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others
into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ.

Amen

In a world filled with strife there is peace.

2008-06-28T23:32:08+02:00

Scripture:

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in Him." (Romans 15:14)

Reflection:

Well its that time again. Its time to pick your
candidate. I have always been astounded at
the quality of political speech making that goes on
now.. Like the word peace. Never do I hear that
word use so much as I hear it from our political
candidates. The problem is of course political
peace is certainly elusive and fragile. However
we should be very aware that there is a spiritual
peace that comes from knowing and loving God.
The peace that has and is between God and
humanity is sealed by Jesus Christ. Martin
Luther explains what that peace means in our
daily lives.
" Those who rejoice in God are satisfied with
their peace in Him. They bravely endure
tribulation and do not desire the peace which
reason calls for: removal of the evil. They stand
firm and await internal strength through faith.
Neither do they think and worry what the end will be but
always place that matter in the hands of God.
They are not fretting to know when, how, or where
their trouble will be ended. This is why God, in turn,
grants them grace and prepares for an end for their
evil- and end which shows benefits so great as to
exceed all expectations and desires.
Behold, this is the peace of the Cross, the peace of
God, the peace of conscience, CHRISTIAN PEACE.
Reason connot comprehend how we can have peace
in th midst of strife. Nor can reason accomplish
this. It is the work of God that is known only to
the person who has experienced it." (Martin Luther)

You see as a person of faith, a Christian, Christ
Himself is my peace. " He came and preached
peace to you who were far away and peace to
those who were near" (Ephesians 2:14-15, 17)
Isn't it really time for you to learn what peace is
all about?

Prayer:

Thank you God that in Your embrace I find
my salvation and my peace.

Quote:

Peace cannot be achieved through violence,it can
only be attained through understanding.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sacrifice

2008-06-19T03:02:52+02:00

Scripture:

"I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in
Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 21: 13

Reflection:

One of the greatest and most well known missionary was
Dr. David Livingstone. He was especially admired for his
sacrifice for his savior. Listen to what he said about
sacrifice.
"People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so
much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice
which is simply acknowledging a great debt we owe to
God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which
brings its own reward in healthful activity, the consciousness
of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a
glorious destiny? It is emphatically no sacrifice. Rather
it is a privilege. (Later on he said) I never made a sacrifice.
Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great
sacrifice which he made who left His Father's throne on
high to Himself for us."

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will
not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

You know Jesus Christ did not consider it to be to
big of a sacrifice to die on the cross for all of us.
He did it because He loves us. Why should I
think it to big of a sacrifice to spread God's love
right now, today. You really don't have to be a
missionary like the apostle Paul or Dr. Livingstone.
You don't need to be sent to some remote mission
field. Your mission field may be your neighbor,
your co worker, a family member. You see we all
need to hear that our Father God had only one
Son, and He gave that one Son to us, so that we
are forgiven, yes you and I and our neighbor are
forgiven. We are a forgiven people, our sins are
forgiven, all our sins are forgiven. And we have
eternal life. We have to do only one thing, and
that is to believe this and to believe in the love of
God. This is indeed a privilege

Prayer of Acceptance:

"Lord Jesus Your word has convinced me that
You are the Son of God- the Savior of the
world. Today, as best I know how, I receive You
into my heart by faith, asking You to forgive my
sins and become my Guide through life.
I realize that an almost faith is really no faith at
all. And so I hold nothing back from You. Lord
I am persuaded. Thank You that my life has been
invaded by Your loving presence. In Jesus Name
AMEN!