What Is Prayer? (By Pastor Nathaniel Gates)

 

What Is Prayer? Pastor Nathaniel Gates 

1. What is prayer

a. Prayer is talking with God. Opening up to Him and listening to Him.

2. Why do we pray?

a. God commands us - Luke 18:1-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 

Philippians 4:6-7

b. Christ's example - Mark 1:35

c. Paul's example - Paul prays 32 times in Scripture.

d. Spiritual Warfare - Ephesians 6:18

e. To Receive Mercy and Grace to help us - Hebrews 4:14-16

3. How do we pray?

a. Matthew 6:9-13

b. Pray.....P-Praise  R-Repent  A-Ask  Y-Yield 

4. What hinders prayers? 

a. Sin - Isaiah 59:1-2

b. Doubt - James 1:5-7

c. Relationships - 1 Peter 3:7

d. Unforgiveness - Matthew 6:15, Ephesians 4:32, 

e. Pride -1 Peter 5:5

f. Spiritual Powers - Ephesians 6:12-13

5. How to Discover the riches to prayer?

a. Obey His commands and do what pleases Him - 1 John 3:22

b. Ask according to the will of God - 1 John 5:14 

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The Cost Of Being A Pastor (By Kirby Winstead)

 

THE PRICE OF BEING A PASTOR 

By Kirby Winstead 

 Being a Pastor is listed among the four most difficult professions in the United States because a Pastor must be: 

 •Preacher 

 •Example 

 •Father 

 •Husband 

 •Counselor 

 •Conference caller 

 •Planner 

 •Minister 

 •Visionary 

 •Director 

 •Mentor 

 •Friend 

 •Reconciliator 

 •Marriage counselor 

 •Youth Counselor 

 •Leader's trainer 

 •Bible teacher 

 •Intercessor etc etc Besides being: 

 •Keeper of the temple 

 •Cleaning staff 

 Every Pastor constantly confronts many different things, such as: The Pastor doesn't visit me Sermon was too long. The music was too loud. The building is too cold. Etc.... One of the most difficult things in the life of a Pastor is to know that at some point the people they love will abandon or even betray them. The Pastor is often the loneliest person in the congregation. You may see a Pastor be surrounded by people, but very rarely people who are interested in their problems, needs or even in their lives. If you have a Pastor as a friend take care of them, pray for them, connect with vision that God gave them, support them, but above all love them. Remember they are human and in the same way they go through the same needs as you. Even if you don’t believe it, many of them have sacrificed comforts, rest, personal plans and so many things including some of their own family’s needs to attend God’s call. Value the time a Pastor puts into work, the prayers he makes for everyone, the burden he voluntarily carries for ministry. You don't know how much he'd appreciate knowing you do. Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you shepherds according to my own heart, who shall lead them with knowledge and understanding. ... For all pastors 🙏 Thank you for all that you do! Kirby Winstead.

The Afterglow Of Easter

 

The Afterglow Of Easter 

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) 

  The hearts of the disciples were still burning with joy, and excitement after seeing the Lord Jesus alive, and walking among them. How can you come down from this mountain top experience after witnessing such an extraordinary miracle? Jesus told them that they were to be witnesses to what had happened, and to share it with people not only In the local realm, but to the ends of the earth. 

  Of course it would be impossible for the early Christians to accomplish this in their life time. That is why the baton of the resurrection event of Jesus Christ, has been carried by Christians since that time. And we as Christians are called to carry it today. People need to hear about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, because it is the pillar of hope for our future. 

  If we leave out the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, what good news do we have to tell? It is the motivation behind what we are, and all that we do. It is the motivation behind the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But even though we were not privileged to see the bodily form of the risen Lord, back then, we can still experience His presence in our lives today. The way that we do that, is to open ourselves up to Him. Make time to fellowship with Him. Take time to pray, to meditate on His Word, and be patient, and wait for the doors to open for for His will to manifest itself in our lives. 

  We are evangelistic baton carriers, carrying the message of hope to this generation. It is exciting in the afterglow of Easter to be ready, to hand it to someone who is coming our way. If they grab it, and run with it, what a difference it will make in their lives, and for future lives! GP 

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Resurrection Reality

 

"And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty, and your faith is also empty." (1 Corinthians 15:14) "

In his documentary "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" Simcha Jacobovici claims archaeological evidence that disproves the resurrection of Christ. 

He says that the words "Jesus son of Joseph" found on a burial container near Jerusalem refer to Jesus of Nazareth. He also claims to have identified Jesus' DNA." (Our Daily Bread 3/25/2008) 

Should it bother us when we hear of such claims? I believe that when Jesus walked out of that tomb, He took the physical evidence with Him. Yes, they are looking at DNA, possible bone samples, and blood samples. But Jesus' body is gone, resurrected, just as Old Testament prophecy proclaimed thousand years before. 

What is proof to me is not the physical evidence, but the personal experiences. Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room (John 20) the Emmaus road (Luke 24)To Cephas (Peter) the twelve, 500 people, James, all the apostles, Last of all to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) 

Three questions stand out in my mind: 

 1. If the resurrection of Jesus is not true, why would the apostles give their lives to proclaim it to the world? All were martyred except John, who was placed in exile on the Island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9). 

2. How can I explain the Lord Jesus' presence and providential care in my life? Sequences of answered prayer are a resurrection reality. 

3. Why would the apostle Paul lie about his conversion on the road to Damascus? (Acts 9) He met the Lord Jesus, on the Damascus road, and it changed his life. 

As it is with everything in regards to our relationship with God, we must have faith. Jesus said to Thomas (and to all of us) "Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believed." (John 20:29) We are called not to prove, but to believe! GP 

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The Good Of Good Friday

 

The Christian Journeyman 

Pastor Gary Patterson 

THE GOOD OF GOOD FRIDAY 

This question has been asked many times: "If this is the worst thing that could have ever happened in the history of man-kind, on this horrible Friday, why do we call it "Good Friday?" "What was so "good" about it?" 

A devotion from "Our Daily Bread" of The Radio Bible Class, outlines seven sayings from the cross. In looking at these seven sayings, we should be able to see the "Good" that Jesus accomplished on the cross. 

1. Forgiveness. "Then Jesus said, Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34) "How do we get past the nails, and forgive those who hurt us? Jesus did! He displayed God's forgiveness for our sins, in His sacrificial death, as atonement for our sin debt. 

2. Redemption. "And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) The thief on the cross who believed, and submitted his future to Jesus, was saved. The same promise is for us who believe, and accept Jesus as Savior. 

 3. Compassion. "When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household." (John 19:26-27) As Jesus had compassion for His mother, making sure that her future well-being was taken care of. In essence, on the cross, He did the same for us, and whoever submits their lives to Him, in faith. 

4. Abandonment. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46) Jesus did the most challenging thing in this whole sacrificial experience. He took on Himself the guilt and depth of sin, of this lost world, before a holy, and righteous God. 

5. Readiness. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28) 

I have seen people in my pastoral ministry prepare for death. Jesus knew that what He came to do for man-kind was in moments, to be accomplished, according to God's Word. 

6. Fulfillment. "Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." (John 19:30) Jesus, after receiving the sour wine, gave up His spirit. He had accomplished what He came here to this world to do. "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) 

7. Release. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:46) Jesus' life, His ministry, the endurance of the cross, to pay for the sins of the world, came to and end. As the hymn says so plainly, but boldly: "Jesus, Paid It All" And we are blessed abundantly, and eternally, because He did. 

These seven sayings from the cross reveal the " good" that came about for us, in the midst of this horrible experience for Jesus. How extremely grateful we should be! 

Photo: Ambroz - Pixabay.com 

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Gathering & Scattering

 

Gathering & Scattering 

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13) NIV. 

You may call it a program, but it is definitely a work that our Lord Jesus Christ, called us to do. The apostle Paul, lines up his instruction to both the Great Commission (Matthew 28:10-20) and (Acts 1:8). 

In what has been called the "Gathering and the Scattering." we find the work of the spiritual leaders of the church to "equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." (v.12) What works of service are we as members of the body of Christ to perform? It has to do do with the dual purpose of the Church. 1. Evangelism, and 2. Christian Nurture. 

As God's people gather as one in a sanctuary on a Sunday morning, the spiritual leaders, such as pastors, teachers, evangelists etc, have the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that God's people will know it clearly, and strongly, so that when they "scatter" to their various points of contact, they will share it with those who need to hear it, and respond to it. It is also an opportunity for spiritual leaders to help the members of the body of Christ, to be built up in their faith, and knowledge of the Son of God. How can you expect the members of your flock, to grow in Christian maturity, if they know little about the Lord Jesus Himself, and what He can do in their lives, and the lives of others? 

Just as there are two main tasks on the farm. 1. Is the Harvest, 2. The care of the livestock. As the church we gather together to be fed, and nourished, so when we scatter, we can be involved in the harvest of souls for the kingdom of God. This is the greatest work the church is called to do! And it will take dedicated, disciplined and determined spiritual leaders to help us get it done! GP 

 Photo: Luis Quintero - Pexels.com

Opportunity!

"See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16) Today is St Patrick's Day. As I think of us celebrating the Irish heritage, I think of my great grandfather who came over to America from Ireland, when he was 17 years of age. A very young man, with a heart full of dreams and opportunities. From what I have gathered from our family history, my great grandfather did very well selling horses, and farming. As Christians we have opportunities to live and serve, on behalf of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To make the most of our lives, for Him, as we travel through this life.
The Apostle Paul tells us to walk "circumspectly" which means "carefully" not "foolishly", or "carelessly." We are to make each moment count for the Lord, because Satan our enemy, will distract us, and cause us to waste precious opportunities to be a witness, and an encouragement, to others who need the Lord Jesus today.
We may not all come from the Irish background, but as Christians, we come from the Christian background. And may what we say, and do for Christ, be sincere, constant, and fervent, as we continue our journey, to our eternal home. GP Photo by Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee. Published on 01 February 2013 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Take Heed To The Flock!

Acts 20:17-38 These words of the Apostle Paul to the elders of the church at Ephesus, are very important to us who are in the role of Christian leadership. They are filled not only with great emotion, but essential instruction as well.

I would like to focus primarily on v.28 and take a look at what elders of a church are to maintain as priorities in their Christian leadership role.

"Therefore take heed to yourselves.." Shepherds of the flock of God, must be the best examples they can be. Not that any who are in the role of Christian leadership are perfect, but one must strive to be the best they can be. That in itself, is an example that must be displayed before the congregation.

.."and to all the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.." To a Shepherd, each one of his sheep is important. A shepherd has to be among his sheep, so he can know what the needs are, and attend to them. I had an elder of a church I was serving tell me. "that visiting members of the congregation would be the most important work I would do." Not to minimize the teaching and preaching of the Word of God. But you will not know how to apply God's Word, if you are not among the people, and know what those needs are.

"..to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." Elders of a church must remember that the church they are responsible for, belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ. He purchased the church with His own blood. Does the church mean a lot to the Lord Jesus Christ? Indeed it does! The Lord is counting on the elders to watch over His church.

When I was growing up, whenever a stranger came to our door, my father would meet him at the door. Why? Because my father was the protector of our family. He was provider and protector. The elders are no different. It is a great responsibility, but also a great reward to care for such a wonderful community. The family of God! GP

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Crucified With Christ

"I have been crucified with Christ; It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20) I come to the cross of Jesus, and desire to lay down my life for Him, and for His kingdom. In 1975 I began my work as a pastor. In that time, I have had opportunity to serve the Lord with 100% submission, sincerity, and humility. Have I done so? The answer is "No" There have been times, that I wanted things to go my way, and looked for opportunities to do things my way. There were times that I was in such conflict with the Lord, that discouragement filled my heart, much of the time. What does it mean to come to the cross of Christ? It means crucifixion. It means death. Death of what? Not just our sins, but "Our will!" The Apostle Paul says in our text: "It is no longer I who live." If I die, than my will to do what I want, or what I think is best, dies too. It is Christ who lives, and it is His will that lives in us. It is Jesus who is obeyed, it is Jesus who is served, It is what Jesus wants for us, that should be the main focus of our lives. And when that happens, there will be such a feeling of peace and fulfillment one can't imagine. This week as we observe the passion of our Lord Jesus. Let's examine the depth of our passion for Him. As we approach His cross, what will we decide about our cross, and our life for Him? GP
Photo from www.jaesonma.net 365 Days Of Love: Day 175 - Met

How To Rescue A Church

 "The story is well known in many churches across America. Churches that were once large and effective are in decline. Attendance is down. Money is down. People have circled the wagons for survival to stave off the congregation’s demise. The goal is survival: more people in the pews, more money in the bank account, and maybe young people who will step up and take over. Saving the congregation is the goal. The problem with this is that God calls us into missional communities not into institutions. People outside the institution and most inside the institution really won’t give of themselves to save the church. Congregational survival is not a compelling reason for people to go beyond themselves. If survival was compelling them, the declining churches would soon thrive again. If survival was compelling them, the remaining few leaders would not be tired and worn out trying to save the congregation. (You can read the rest of the article by John Holm entitled: "Don't "Rescue" the Church: Rediscover Your Unique Mission" (Christianleaders.com) 

If we were involved in the priority programs of the church such as: Evangelism: (Matthew 28:19-20) Ministry: (Matthew 25:34-40) Christian Nurture (Galatians 6) I don't feel our churches would be in decline; but we would experience spiritual, and numerical growth, just like the early church did in the book of Acts.

Yes, it falls on Christian leadership, to lead the way in these priority programs. It's time we humble ourselves, and stop pursuing, selfish ambitions, and start doing what is best for the Kingdom of God. Isn't that what the Lord called us to do? GP

 Photo ID 1896300 © Winzworks | Dreamstime.com

The Blessing Of Belonging

"For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand." (Psalm 95:7) 

Maybe some will laugh at this picture I have had in my mind. A picture of me being a sheep, eating grass in a pasture, (along with other sheep) and I look over and see the shepherd standing close by. And after I see him, I go back to feasting on the grass of the pasture. I am at peace because I know he is standing by.

 As I have driven home from work on those late dark nights, this picture has given me peace. My Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ is with me, wherever I go, wherever I am.

There is a great sense of security in belonging to a family, and being apart of a group of good friends. As we gather together for Christmas activities, we can give thanks that there are those around us, we can pour our lives into, and receive the love and support, that we so need, as we go through this life.

We may not agree on everything. But one thing we can agree on; is that we need each other. But most of all we need the Lord Jesus Christ.
No matter if life is bringing us down, or lifting us up, we need to get as close as we can to Him.

 How often do we pray, and communicate with Him? How often are we in His Word, to find wisdom, and encouragement?

I am so glad that I belong to Jesus. I am His. You can belong to Him too; and enjoy the blessings of His presence, protection, and provisions.
And the greatest blessing: His peace. GP

 Photo: bildgebende_Momente / 46 images / CCO Creative Commons / Free for commercial use / No attribution required / www.pixabay.com

Outside These Walls

 

Outside These Walls

"These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." (Acts 1:14)

I have thought about this question, as I have looked at the responsibility of the church in reaching the lost world for Jesus Christ; Are we as the church, part of the problem, or part of the solution?
We are part of the problem, if we just operate a Sunday routine worship activity within the walls of the church building. Nothing more than just staying comfortable within the inner walls, with no concern for the lost sinful state of those outside our sacred walls.

When we look at the attitude, and actions of the early church, Vance Pitman shares four characteristics of the early church, that reveals that they had a deep concern for lost souls outside their Christian community.

1. They Had A Faith That Produced Obedience (Acts 1:8) 

The apostles allowed the Holy Spirit to empower them, to be witnesses to the world, concerning Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will empower us to speak boldly on behalf of our Lord. Yes, the Holy Spirit will inspire us to trust, and obey, the Lord's calling to share how He has made a difference in our lives.

2. They Had A Passion That Produced Unity (Acts 1:14a) 

The apostles continued with one accord" Just like the apostles, we need to show the world, that we as members of the body of Christ, are all on the same page. How division has ruined our witness today!

3. They Had A Desperation That Produced Prayer (Acts 1:14b) 

The apostles, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." continued their practice of prayer. Their prayers, without a doubt were for those who had not surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. This is such a desperate need today, as it was then.

4. They Had A Spirit That Produced Power (Acts:1:8) 

When they prayed, and connected with the Holy Spirit, it was like a spark that ignited an old army cannon.They became confident, bold, and excited to be the witnesses Jesus called them to be. The same can happen to us, if only we will connect together in prayer, and follow through with ministry of the Gospel to this lost world.

Let's not just get comfortable behind the church walls on Sunday, but let's go in the power of the Holy Spirit, to see what we can accomplish in the the lives of others, outside these walls! GP

Photo: Copied 

Our Remembered Gift Of Love (Matthew 26:6-13)

Our Remembered Gift Of Love 

"The smell of perfumed body powder filled the hospital room. A smile dissolved the worried look on my mother's face. "Is it one of my birthday presents?" she asked. "Yes" I answered, and reminded her of her 90th birthday. A nurse interrupted our conversation. "This is the best smelling room in the hospital" she said. Glancing at the body powder, she added; "Expensive stuff - to be used sparingly" "No, not sparingly - lavishly," I responded, fighting back the tears. I knew that this act of kindness might be the last I would do for my mother. The look of love and appreciation on my mother's face expressed all the confirmation I needed. Mother agreed with me. When I read the story of the woman who poured perfume on Jesus' head, I remember my mother, and the perfumed body powder. I know that God approves, when we love lavishly."
(By Norma P. Marroquin)

In Matthew 26:13 Jesus says of the woman(who in John 12:1-8 is a reference to Mary) who poured the expensive oil on Him, that: "wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." Someone has written that "Love is not love, if it nicely calculates the costs. If it gives its all, and its only regret is that it has not still more to give." I don't believe that there are very few times when the gift of love has not been remembered.

To give of ourselves 100% in love and sacrifice, will not be taken lightly, especially by our Lord Jesus Christ. He will never forget. And gifts of love in time and good deeds, will not be forgotten as well. If there is one thing that I have found to be true, it is the fact that people want to be cared about. They appreciate it when you take the time to show that you care. "They won't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." Let's love lavishly, and be blessed abundantly! (GP)

The Law Of Love

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:43-45)

 Whoever said, "You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy," was way out of line. The Pharisees taught that one should love those near and dear to them (Leviticus 19:18), but that Israel's enemies should be hated. It is a natural tendency to want revenge when we are harmed and hurt.

But here in out text, Jesus puts forth the "Law of Love", which goes against the the grain of worldly thought. And the question comes,
"How can we, "bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, pray for those who spitefully use us, and persecute us?" We become like a dog, when we are hurt, we are likely to bite, and sink our teeth of revenge in deep.

The "Law of Love" was displayed on the path of love, our Savior took, when He went to Calvary, and paid for our sins. And in the midst of such extreme pain and agony, these words echo through time: "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34).

Satan always wants it to be a fight. And the result of such battles is destruction. But love is about forgiveness, resolution, and reconciliation, which leads to peace. The low road is hate, and the high road is love. Taking the high road of love, is putting aside past hurt, in order to embrace future happiness. And according to Jesus, acts of love are not optional, but they are "law" GP 

"Don't you know that love is all? 
Love is where we all begin. 
And when we knock on heaven's door, 
only love will let us in." 
(A line from a song recorded by Air Supply - Christmas album - 1987 Arista Records)
(Songwriters: Jon Anderson)
(Love Is All lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc)

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