Who Is Jesus?

It has been a long time since I have posted. It has been a very busy year for me. I have finished all of my courses for ministerial preparation and I will soon move into the hands-on supervised ministry part. Though I have learned much, there is so much more to learn. I look forward to this upcoming chapter of my life as I follow God's will for me.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of breaking God's word in our church and sharing the message while our pastors are away taking the youth to Follow2015 in Indianapolis. As we are coming quickly to the close of 2015 and look ahead to 2016, I would like to share the message that God laid on my heart to share yesterday. So, Who Is Jesus?

Before I give you the paraphrased version of the message I delivered yesterday, I want to encourage you to open God's Word and read John 1:1-14. Take time to read it carefully and see what it says about who Jesus is.

1. Jesus Is Light - In five verses, John uses the word light seven times. Most of these refer to Jesus as the Light, but each time, the word light is used in opposition to the darkness. If you didn't read from the RSV, that translation translates verse five a bit differently "...but darkness has not overcome it," (John 1:5). The darkness has not overcome the Light - nothing can or will overcome Jesus. He is the true Light of the world (John 1:9). Jesus freely offers light to all, yet not everyone will accept it. Sadly, much of the world rejects His Light because the love of sin blinds humanity to the Light of God. But there is hope because God will always have followers until the day of Jesus' return. Are you one of them?

2. Jesus Is Life - Verse twelve tells us we become children of God by accepting the gift of a new birth, not because we are human, but because we receive and accept the gift given. We must do our part. Remember though, it's not about what we do, but about what He's done. The father/child relationship flows not from being created, but from believing Him. When we accept Jesus in our lives, we have the promise of salvation and will spend eternity in His presence. If you haven't given your life to Him, what is stopping you?

3. Jesus Is Lord - Verse 14 tells us that the "Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Jesus left the perfection of heaven and chose to take up residence in a teenager's womb so He could be born like the rest of us. He lived on this earth and faced temptations - the same as we do daily - and overcame them all. He didn't just appear to be a man. Jesus was a man. The cradle was not the beginning nor was the cross the end. Jesus defeated death and Hell and is alive today. His life on earth was simply a blip in time for Him. He was alive before the cradle and lives today and forever. As you look toward 2016, can you look back over 2015 and say with confidence that Jesus is Lord over your life? Has Christmas been about Him, or something else? Will you choose now to allow Jesus to be Lord over your life today and every day for the rest of your life? If not, why not? If so, pray and tell Him. Seek His guidance and direction. Look to 2016 with expectancy and hope for He is Lord.

May the peace, love, and joy of Christ dwell in you richly as you submit to His Lordship over your life. Blessings to you and yours for 2016. In Jesus' joy, Natalie

Spirit-led Work

Do you ever question your calling and purpose? Do you wonder and think there is more that you should be doing? Do you rush around trying to do something so you can look at the accomplishment and somehow feel fulfilled? In studying the early church in the book of Acts, I am convinced that in our society we are so conformed to being productive that we forget to wait for instructions.

How many of you have bought anything, whether a child's toy or a dresser, that needed to be put together, but didn't take the time to read the instructions first? Sometimes you can get away with it and sometimes...it doesn't go so well. The same thing happens when we run ahead of the Lord and try to do His work on our own without spiritual instruction. The early church leaders were focused so much on doing the will of God that they didn't move before seeking Him.

In Acts 1, we see the disciples staying in the Upper Room praying together awaiting the promise. Remember, they didn't know how long they would have to wait. We know it was 10 days, but when they started praying and didn't see anything happen day after day, they continued to trust in the promise that God would send a Helper, but they had to wait for Him (Luke 24:49).

Are you willing to wait 10 days for the Holy Spirit to lead you? What if it takes 10 weeks, 10 months, or 10 years? God's timing isn't the same as ours (2 Peter 3:8). When we look back at the early church, they prayed expectantly and continued steadfastly until something happened. The first time the Holy Spirit came upon them, there were "divided tongues of fire and a mighty rushing wind," (Acts 2:2-3).

The second time they prayed earnestly and steadfastly waiting for empowerment, the "place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit," (Acts 4:31). Isn't this the empowerment you desire to do God's work? It is what I desire, yet the waiting is hard. Trusting Him is demonstrating faith. He is able to overcome all obstacles and sees so much more than we can possibly imagine. Each time the disciples prayed and were filled, miraculous things happened. God poured out His Spirit and did wonderful things.

I want to encourage you today to read Acts - if it seems like too much, start with Chapters 1-4. It is an exciting read. We serve the same God and come to Him through the same Jesus that was present on the day these pages were penned and the days in which these events occurred. God pours out the same Holy Spirit today and the power is available.

Do you believe Him? Do you have faith that He is able? Will you seek Him and His will no matter how long it takes? Will you mobilize yourself the moment He empowers you and do all that He has called you to? He has promised "Never to leave nor forsake you," (Heb. 13:5). Are you ready to pray, pray, and pray some more until He reveals His will for you to you? It's up to you. Take hold and trust in Him. I am praying for you dear one, knowing that God wants to work through each one who has called on His name. He loves you.

Lenten Fasting

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen:

To loose the bonds of wickedness,

To undo the heavy burdens,

To let the oppressed go free,

And that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;

When you see the naked, that you cover him,

And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then your light shall break forth like the morning,

Your healing shall spring forth speedily,

And your righteousness shall go before you;

The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

You shall cry, and He will say, 'He I am'." Isaiah 58:6-9 NKJV

 

 

My pastor has recently been promoting the idea of 40 days of prayer and fasting over the Lenten Season this year. He has been sharing the importance of fasting in our Christian walk with the Lord. As I have been praying and studying this again, chapter 58 of Isaiah has once more drawn me closer to the Lord's will and way of fasting and prayer.

 

I want to encourage each one who reads this post to prayerfully read all of chapter 58 and see what God is saying to you. As I have read and prayed and studied this passage of Scripture many things have been revealed to me but I would like to bring out a few important things that this passage shows us. If you have read all of chapter 58, you will notice that the beginning of this chapter gives us some warnings about fasting. Fasting is not a way to manipulate God to get something from Him. Fasting is what we do to draw closer to God and seek His will and way. It is not a spiritual discipline we do just because it is expected of us, but our hearts must be pure and our motives sincere.

 

When we fast with a pure heart and pure motives, He sees us and hears us and is delighted. Then He will answer prayer. Before you decide on what to do for Lent, pray and seek God's will for you. Does He want you to fast one meal a week, one day of meals a week, one item of food, or something else? There are those - for medical reasons - who cannot fast and I want to tell you that God knows and understands that. Maybe, He will direct you to give up a TV show, or coffee, or something else that is taking your focus away from Him. I urge you to seek Him and His direction for you in this. As you pray ask God to reveal anything in your life that is keeping Him from answering your prayers. Pray for courage and strength. Pray for forgiveness for any unconfessed sin in your life and accept His forgiveness.

 

When you are fasting, remember the second part. Prayer. It is no good to fast without praying. That is a diet. We are looking to grow deeper in the knowledge, wisdom and power of our Lord and Savior. We are storming the gates of heaven to break the bonds of sin and Satan in our lives and in this world. Prayer and fasting will overcome anything that is holding you down and captive. Pray in faith knowing that God is able to do "exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think," (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).

 

May He bless you in this season of Lent and draw you nearer to Him. I am praying for you dear one, and thanking God in advance for all He will do in your life. Praise His name. Natalie



Be Still...

Psalm 46:10 (NKJV): "Be still and know that I am God."

Advent season is here - we are looking to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We spend countless hours preparing for Christmas. Cooking, cleaning, cooking, shopping, cooking, wrapping, preparing, cooking... We want everything to be just right.

During the Advent season, will we focus on the Who of Christmas this year rather than the what - for instance, what am I going to eat, what am I going to wear, what am I going to get? Are we willing to take as much time to prepare our hearts (Christ's home) as we do our homes, the food, and all the trimmings? What if we took time to prepare our hearts as well as all the other stuff? What would happen if we took time to get alone before God and confess our need to control the season and all the "stuff" we feel is so urgent and ask God to lead us and allow Him to heal us and let Him take the lead?

Are you willing to  sacrifice something you want to do, to do something He wants you to do? Are you spending time alone in prayer and keeping your heart open to hear from Him? Are you praying for strength to be obedient to Him in all things this season?

Jesus holds all of us - and this whole world - in the palm of His hand. So what if the mince pies don't get made? So what if every ornament is not in place? Are those things really as important as spending time in His presence, preparing your heart for His coming?

Jesus came to this earth the first time as a baby. The next time He comes, He's coming for us. We must be ready. No amount of shopping, cooking, or cleaning will matter on the day the trumpet sounds. I encourage you to take time each day to get before the Lord - just you and Him. Find a spot that is quiet where you can spend time in His presence and ask Him to help you to "be still and know that He is God". Let go of the endless lists of to do's and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. "Jesus is the reason for the season" - let's give Him the welcome He deserves.

May the peace and the love of Christ be with you. In Jesus' joy,
Natalie 

FREEDOM

"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:23-24 NKJV

Jesus' resurrection paved the way for us to be in relationship with the Father. We are no longer separated by the chasm of sin. Jesus paid the price: it was not free for Him. However, He made a way and it is free for us. He stepped in and filled the gap created by disobedience. What joy we can have, what fullness of life we can live!

Is your life full of joy? If not, why? We have the promise of His joy to fill us. Have you asked for it? As sons and daughters of the King of kings, we are heirs to all of His promises. In the above Scripture passage, we have a promise to receive what we ask for. The only condition is that we ask for God's will in our lives. He wants all that is best for us. Not just the good stuff, but the great stuff!! Isn't that exciting?

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,

thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and

I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me,

when you search for Me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV

He knows what He has in store for each of His children. We only need to say "YES". Saying yes can be hard to do, but when you know the One who is leading, it is much easier to follow. If you aren't ready to say yes, take some time and read, study your Bible, and pray. Get to know the Lord on a personal level. Spend time talking to Him like you do your best friend. Be honest and take time to listen. He may speak through the Word of the Bible. He may speak through Christian friends. He may speak in very unexpected ways, but I desire for you to know that He does speak. Listen carefully my dear friends, Jesus is "standing at the door and knocking. If you hear His voice and open the door, He will come in and be with you." (Revelation 3:20 paraphrased)

Dear friend, Jesus awaits. Call on Him today.

Worship Notes-Part 2

Have you considered your time all alone, praying and seeking God as a time of worship? It can be. When we go into our "prayer closet" (which can be anywhere you are alone with God) and spend time in His presence, we are in fact worshiping Him. A personal relationship is what He desires with each person who calls Him Father. In saying this, we too have a part to play. Going before the Lord with a list of demands is really not the way to approach Him. Think of it this way. He loves you and you love Him. He knows the things you have need of before you ever ask Him (Matthew 6:8).

Take time to go before the Lord and ask Him to reveal the truth in your heart. David, the man after God's own heart, wrote many Psalms. In Psalm 139 he exposed his heart to God. We can learn much if we will seek God's will for our lives and ask Him to reveal the truth to us about ourselves. Just listen to the last two verses from Psalm 139:

"Search me, O God and know my heart;

Try me, and know my anxieties;

And see if there is any wicked way in me,

And lead me in the way everlasting." (23-24 NKJV)

What if we prayed this prayer and remained in God's presence until He revealed the truth to us? What if we then repented and prayed for forgiveness and cleansing from those things He revealed? Would we be different? Would this look like worship? YES!! Definitely, it would. We serve a mighty and great God who loves us just the way we are, but refuses to let us stay that way. Yet, He is a gentleman, and will not force Himself anywhere we won't invite Him in.

I have struggled with many things. I also tried very hard to keep certain places in my heart veiled from the Lord (what a joke), but when I went before Him and prayed this prayer, many things and motives were revealed to me. Things I didn't even know were there! But as I work through them (He's still working on me), I realize more and more how much He loves me and how patient He truly is.

Don't be afraid to let Him in to every part of your life. Allow Him to wash you "white as snow", cleansing you from everything that stands between you and Him. He loves you with a love that is incomparable.  Take time to worship Him today and everyday.

Overcoming Temptation

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

What a promise! Do you hear God's voice speaking to you through this passage of Scripture, recorded so long ago? We serve the same God today as He was yesterday, and so He will be tomorrow. That excites me and I hope it excites you too!!

Have you ever been tempted and fallen, knowing it was wrong? If so, you are not alone. However, this is not a pattern we need to continue falling into. We can pray and God can heal and cleanse us from our faults and sins. We have hope in overcoming temptations. This passage is our promise from our eternal, loving Father who wants more and better for us than we can begin to imagine.

Realize that temptation is not sin. Acting on the temptation is the sinful behaviour. Remember God's promise to always provide a way out. Will it always be easy to see and follow through? No, maybe not, but we will always have a choice. Sometimes in the midst of temptation, our emotions and feelings cloud our judgement and thoughts. It is then we need to call on the Holy Spirit dwelling within us to make the truth clear and audible. When we know the truth - that there is a way out - it is easier to find it if we will take the time to listen to the voice and nudgings of the Spirit in our hearts.

If you are struggling with temptation, take the time to memorize this Scripture verse. Write it down, put it in your phone, put it on your desktop, mirror, the dash of your car, your refrigerator. Put it in front of you, over and over until it is rooted deeply in your heart and mind. Trust in the Word of God to be your anchor in the storm. Cry out to Him when you feel the temptation coming on. Allow Him to fill the spaces in your heart and longings. He is there. His presence is what we are all searching for.

Let's pray together:

Dear glorious and gracious Father,
Thank you for Your promises that draw us nearer to You. Thank You for Your presence, for Jesus Your Son, and for the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Lord forgive us when we fall. Forgive us for giving into our temptations. Lord, come fill us with Your presence and cleanse us of the sinfulness we fall into. Lord, we pray for Your strength to overcome temptation. We pray for Your wisdom and discernment to see the way out You will provide. Father, help us to be more like Jesus, trusting completely in Your will for our lives. We love You and wait expectantly, In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

By HIS Spirit

"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit." These words are recorded in the book of Zechariah chapter 4 verse 6. I have been getting back into the routine of things just like everyone else out there. Summer comes and there are more things to do. Expectations run high and we all want to get in as much as is humanly possible. For some of us the weather didn't cooperate as much as we would have liked but fall is coming in just a few short days anyway. In the comfort and familiarity of routine, I have been struggling with wondering if I am doing enough. As a person who feels the need to be productive, that always seems to be the question.

It amazed me how God spoke to me. Feeling this way and spending time in prayer with Him, these are the words He quietly spoke to me. I knew I had heard them or seen them before, but I wasn't sure where. I wondered if maybe it was on a flyer or written in a Christian Living book I had read. I needed to know so I went to the Source and pulled out my Bible. I found it in Zechariah. Though in the Scriptures, God did not say, "Natalie, not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," I know I can claim this promise as can anyone who claims Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.

What a wonderful peace we have, resting in His Word and His promises. We have available to us, the inspired Word of God, true and reliable. This promise, along with so many others, gives me strength when I'm not sure which way to go. There are times we can get so busy working for the Lord, we forget to spend time with the Lord. This verse reminded me there is nothing I can do to earn my salvation. Jesus did that at the cross. When I am unsure or when you are unsure, the best thing for us to do is reach out in prayer, read the Word of God-the Bible-and trust, having faith that He is and always will be. The more time we spend with Him, the better we will know Him, the better line of communication we will have and we will be able to hear from Him when we are doubting and unsure.

Let's pray together:

Heavenly and gracious Father,
Thank You Lord for who You are. Thank You for Your Spirit, Your power and Your might. Lord, forgive us when we struggle or think the things we do will draw us nearer to You. Lord, help us to spend more time in Your presence, drawing nearer to You and having an open and clear line of communication. Thank You for Your Son Jesus, whose shed blood on the cross has cleansed us from sin. Thank You for eternal life and the Spirit that dwells within us. May we learn to lean on You, trusting You to know the answers for our lives and the direction we need to go. May our eyes remain focused on heaven and an eternity in Your presence. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11 NKJV

When in Doubt...Wait on the Lord!

Waiting has become part of life in North America. When we leave our homes we wait for traffic. We pick up the phone to call about anything, many times we are put on hold and made to wait. We go to the grocery store and we wait for a cashier. We even have to wait for our friends and family to finish texting, talking on cell phones or sign out of facebook. In a world where waiting is inevitable, why do we think every prayer we pray should have an instant answer?

There are things we are unsure of in our lives and we need guidance and direction. We pray and ask the Lord to give us proper discernment and wisdom and expect instant gratification. Sometimes we get an immediate answer and other times we don't. How do you react when you do not receive clear directions? Do you wait on the Lord or do you get frustrated and do whatever you think you should at the time? Learning to wait on the Lord is a discipline many of us would do well to learn.

David learned to wait on the Lord. His life was filled with times of victory, but he also had times of disobedience and discouragement. We are bound to have testing times but it is what we do with them that counts. Learn to rest in the quiet and wait on Him. When you are unsure of which way to turn or which path to take continue to love and wait on God, serve others in whatever capacity you can and share the message of hope Jesus has given you. It is not always easy, but He has promised to be with you and take you through (Hebrews 13:5).

One of David's Psalms beautifully describes this time of waiting and the victory that comes with it.

"I waited patiently for the Lord;

And He inclined to me,

And heard my cry,

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,

Out of the miry clay,

And set my feet upon a rock,

And established my steps,

He has put a new song in my mouth-

Praise to our God;

Many will see it and fear,

And will trust in the Lord."

Psalm 40:1-3 NKJV

Spirited Giving

"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work," 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

God's ability to supply for our needs is limitless. He has the resources to bless us with every good thing He so chooses. Remember that truth. He chooses. This passage of Scripture helps me keep giving in perspective. That is, God wants my giving to be directly related to my heart attitude. When we give cheerfully we bring Him glory. When we don't, it reveals our lack of faith in His ability to supply our need.

There is need all around us. This morning I glanced at the newspaper and saw an article about the devastating loss of children under five in Africa. It breaks my heart. In our community-as I'm sure in yours-there are needs so great it is difficult to think about. How can we ever get to the end of it all? Maybe we can't. There is an enemy roaming around this earth and he is doing all he can to drag us to a place of helplessness. But we serve a Saviour, Jesus Christ, who is bigger than any of the loss or devastation we see, and we can each do our part.

If we keep our eyes and hearts focused on Him, He will direct and guide us to help heal some of the hurts. Provide for some of the need. Give comfort and hope to some of the lost. It begins with each of us down on our knees in prayer, seeking the Lord's will for our lives then taking the steps in obedience. A shift in our heart attitude and walk can make all the difference in the world. What if each of us did our little part? What if we took the time to seek God's face and respond to the need He has for us to fill? Life could change as we know it.

There may be a revolutionary turn-around this world has never yet seen. Let us consider verse 8 that holds a special promise. "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."  Trust in Him, pray and be obedient. Trust He will provide for everything He asks of you then watch Him work. May your steps of obedience bring Him glory by making a difference in this world.

Trusting and serving my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
Natalie

Obedient Prayer

It amazes me how God can speak to the heart and accomplish just what He says He will do. As humans we can be fickle and forgetful, but God is not like that. Let me share an awesome experience.

Last week, I had a lot going on in my life and house. There were days that I did not spend as much time in the Lord's presence as I would have liked to. I think that happens to all of us by times. Sunday mornings we get up and ready for church and go early so we can pray. (We are in the middle of replacing our church which was consumed by fire on the 22nd of March so our prayers are not only for the service but for direction and unity in the body as we stretch toward the goal of rebuilding.)

We were a bit late on this past Sunday-later than usual anyway-and I rushed to the place where I normally go to meet with the Lord. As I took my spot and opened my prayer, I felt the urge to just be still and quiet. As I knelt there I felt a peace and stillness fill my heart. Within a short time a still, small voice within my soul asked me to pray for the seats in our sanctuary. I quickly thought that I didn't know how many there were, but just as quickly remembered my husband telling me two weeks ago that they changed the layout and set up 109 chairs.

I trusted in the fact that if God asked me to do it and I was obedient, He would do what He said. We had a wonderful service and I was filled. After the service was over, I went to the back and checked the count and what do you suppose I found? 109! I felt a joy and peace flood my soul. What a wonderful gift! Who else could do something like that? I must admit, I was amazed but I shouldn't be. God is so good-ALL the time. He is trustworthy and keeps His promises. It wasn't long after that I realized each and every time we pray in His will, what He wants for our lives, He will provide.

His reminder to me is one I share with you because we all need to know that we serve a Saviour who loves us and desires a personal relationship with each of us. Have you opened your heart and your prayer life to Him? Do you take the time to quietly wait in His presence for an answer? He is waiting for you. He wants all of you. He will ever be with you and lead and guide your life to give you life more abundant.
With many blessings,
Natalie

Rebuilding in Victory

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 will be a day my church family will not soon forget. We lost our church to a fire. However, in the midst of the turmoil there is always victory. The Sunday after the fire, our service was held on site and it was an incredible time. The next week we were relocated to a space at the A.D. Lab in Weymouth. Our congregation did not miss a beat. The Lord provided and everyone worked together to make it happen.

It always amazes me when God shows up. Our prayers go up and sometimes it seems as though they will never be answered. I have learned and am continuing to learn that His time is the right time. His way is the right way. His will is the will we need to be seeking. When we follow His plan, we will rise from the ashes victoriously.

The plans are proceeding as the building committee meets and prepares to bring ideas to the church body. As a congregation our task is to be in prayer-continuously and unceasingly. Prayer is what will move things along. When we pray for God's will to be revealed, He will reveal it. I also believe He will provide for all our needs if we give it all to Him for His glory and for His work to be done here on earth. Second Corinthians 9:8 says, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; NASB.

Please pray for our church as we go through this time of rebuilding. Pray that God will reveal His plan and purpose for His people of Havelock Wesleyan Church-wherever He wants us to be and whatever He wants us to be doing.

For more information on the rebuilding of our church please go to www.rebuildingfromtheashes.blogspot.com.

Conversational Bible Study

How many times have you sat down to read the Bible and didn't understand a word you read? Has this ever happened to you or am I the only one? It used to be a very familiar process for me. I love to read. I mean really love to read. I can read a 500 page novel in a couple of days without any problem. However, reading a novel and reading the divinely inspired Word of God are two very different things.

It has been my experience even now, when I take the Bible and decide I'm going to read it, I don't get much out of it if I approach it the way I do any other book. Yet, if I take the time to inquire of the Lord what He wants me to learn and pray that He will reveal the truth of the Holy Scriptures to me, His Word comes alive and the experience is fulfilling.

I have learned so much in the last few years, just changing my approach to reading the Bible. Prayer is so incredibly important. It is our way to have a conversation with God. We can come before Him and lay out our hearts without fear. When we read the Bible, we are hearing from God. When we pray or praise the Lord as we read we are entering into a conversation with Him. Isn't that exciting?

Take some time even now to pray before you read a passage and ask the Lord to reveal the truth to you. You may have to wait in His presence and He may answer you immediately. That is up to Him. One thing you can count on is His promise to hear you. He hears and He cares.

"Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, And teach out of Your law, Psalm 94:12 NKJV.

Comfort in Times of Distress

"I cried out to God with my voice--

To God with my voice;

And He gave ear to me.

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord;

My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing;

My soul refused to be comforted" (Psalm 77:1-2 NKJV).

How many times do we get discouraged and just give up? Is that what the Lord wants for us to do? Never!! He wants us to be in prayer continually focused on Him and His way and His will. He hears our prayers and moreover; He knows our hearts.

He is with us always, yet sometimes we must walk through some fires so we can be refined.

If times were always good and carefree, would you still serve the Lord?

Would you know that you could trust Him, in good times and bad? I remember hearing Kathy Troccoli's song How Would I Know for the first time. It was like a light bulb went off in my head and that song touched my heart in a very profound way. The line if there had never been a battle how would I know the victory, has continued to bless me and speak to me.

Life is a series of battles. Some big and some small. Some trials take one person to the end of themselves, others take whole groups of people. Whatever the battle, know the Lord is there. You can lean on Him, calling upon Him day and night, knowing without a doubt - He hears you and He cares more than anyone. When those times come: pray, believing He will answer. Wait for His promise to be fulfilled. However long it takes.

It will be worth it!!

Powerful Prayers

“Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him,” (1 John 5:14-15 NKJV). Have you taken the time lately to stop and think about the prayers you are praying? What is it you are asking for, and why? What do you hope to happen as a result to your prayers being answered? Jesus gave us the perfect model for prayer when He gave us The Lord’s Prayer. You can find it in Matthew 6:9-13: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen,” (emphasis mine NKJV). Sometimes we think of prayer as a magic chant or magical method of getting what we want, yet that is not what prayer is about. Prayer is our line of communication with our Lord and Savior. It is a way to deepen and strengthen our relationship with Him. When we pray according to God’s will, things change. We may not always want to pray His will be done, because for the most part, human beings want what they want, when they want it. We live in an instant society. Instant coffee, instant potatoes, instant stain remover; we desire instant gratification… You get the picture. Not all of our prayers are answered instantly. Some may not be answered at all. Yet, we are to continue on, praying, knowing and believing that God is sovereign. Having said that, we can go back and examine; praying in His will. His will; will be done. So how do we learn to pray in His will? We seek Him first. Spend time in prayer sharing and also listening to what He is saying to you. I have been known to go to the Lord with a checklist. I want this, this, this and this and I want it done in this way. Selfish? Oh, yes. Is this what He desires for His children in prayer? I don’t think so. Learning to pray His will simply means going to Him and asking what we desire, but in the end of it all; simply pray, Lord, not my will but Yours be done. This can be extremely difficult for those of us who like to feel some kind of control. When we surrender our will to His: that is faith. Remember, His desire is to give us the great things, not just the good things. When we truly stop and take time to follow His way and His will, we will be blessed with the great things. God knows what we need and the best way to give it to us. Will you pray, Your will be done, and let God be God?