Intimacy through Pray without Ceasing! (Lunchtime for 12/30/09)

1 Thessalonians 5:17 & Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to pray without ceasing. But, what does it mean to pray without ceasing?  Does it mean that we should constantly babble to God and never shut-up?  Or, does it mean that we should become monks and take vows of silence?  Neither!  Prayer cannot be confined to mere words or silence, but rather a reflection of our heart seeking out God in a relationship.  Certainly, listening and sharing our hearts with God are the primary tools of prayer, but prayer itself is more an act of the heart.  Constant prayer, or prayer without ceasing is both an act of humility that recognizes God’s sovereignty and one of intimacy where we give our most intimate selves over to God.  In this aspect, it is fair to say that our prayer life will reflect our intimacy level with God.  If our prayer life is shallow and superficial so will our relationship with God.  For example, young children will primarily go to their parents to meet their own needs and comfort, yet as they mature the children begin to see their parents as individuals with beauty, wisdom and flaws. With God, however, there are no flaws but only infinite beauty, wisdom, and holiness.  As we draw closer to God in a more intimate relationship when begin to approach God more as God and not as our genie god. We then begin to let allow God not only access, but freedom to lead us and guide us according to His will.  It is in these moments that we shall receive anything that we ask for.  For it is according to His will.  So, whether you are on your knees in silence, or in a group prayer, or walking on the beach, be in constant prayer with God, which is an act of constant communion with God through a surrendered life.  God bless,
Pastor Joe

Stepping up to the plate (Lunch for the Lost—12/16/09)

Step up to the plate! This euphemism is meant to encourage people to get off the bench, so to speak, and get in the game. God has said in many ways it is time to step up to the plate. Jesus says in Matthew 9 that harvest is huge but the workers are few—step up to the plate! In Ezekiel chapter 22 God is saddened that no one was willing to step up to the plate on behalf of the lost in Jerusalem. He states in Ezekiel 22:30, "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.” In John 14 Jesus encourages us to step up to the plate by depending upon Him. He tells us to ask in His name and it will be done according to His will. God’s heart is that none shall perish and you and I are part of His plan. But be aware. Too often & for too many reasons we allow excuses and distractions to keep us off of our knees and out of the game. Remember our job is not to save anyone. That job is already taken by our Lord & Savior, Jesus. Yet, it is our job is to pray and share the love of Jesus with the lost. It is to this task that Christ is calling us to step up to the plate and get in the game. And be encouraged, God considers a homerun to be obedience through faith. So let us begin by getting on our knees and praying for the lost in our lives.

God bless, Pastor Joe