"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone." 1 Timothy 2:1
Prayer is to be a "first" matter in the church and in the life of a believer. Specifically praying for others is to hold high priority in our ministry. Can I say that prayer is a first matter in my life? in our church?
Our attitude should not be "After we have done everything else, pray." But rather, "After we have prayed, do everything else." Prayer comes first and is the foundation for all action, ministry, and witness.
Father, keep me mindful of the priority of prayer and help me to practice it a as a "first" matter in my life.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Great Sin and a Great Savior
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15
Would Paul have literally won a worst sinners contest? There were undoubtedly men whose deeds were worse than Paul's when judged by this world's standard. But Paul knew his own heart and the righteousness of Christ.
The heart that seems pure when looked upon by the light of this world is revealed to be stained with sin when held up to the light of Christ. Our realization of the magnificence of God's grace grows in proportion to our recognition of our own utter sinfulness apart from Christ. Then like Paul we will stand in awe of the fact that He saved us and give Him glory.
Lord Jesus, I am the worst sinner I know for I know my own heart. I thank you that you saved me and continue to pour grace on me daily. May your grace be magnified in my life that other sinners around me may be drawn to you.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Would Paul have literally won a worst sinners contest? There were undoubtedly men whose deeds were worse than Paul's when judged by this world's standard. But Paul knew his own heart and the righteousness of Christ.
The heart that seems pure when looked upon by the light of this world is revealed to be stained with sin when held up to the light of Christ. Our realization of the magnificence of God's grace grows in proportion to our recognition of our own utter sinfulness apart from Christ. Then like Paul we will stand in awe of the fact that He saved us and give Him glory.
Lord Jesus, I am the worst sinner I know for I know my own heart. I thank you that you saved me and continue to pour grace on me daily. May your grace be magnified in my life that other sinners around me may be drawn to you.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The God of Peace
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way."
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Paul lived on troubled waters and was fond of referring to God as the Lord or God of peace (see Philippians 4:9 & 1 Thessalonians 5:24). God gives peace to His people as they look to Him (Isaiah 26:3). His peace is sufficient "at all times" and "in every way." If I don not have peace in some situation then I need to re-orient my life to the Lord and God of peace. Pray it through until peace comes (Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15).
Father, God of peace, I rejoice in the peace that you give. Help me to keep looking to you so that my life reflects Your peace to a troubled world.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Paul lived on troubled waters and was fond of referring to God as the Lord or God of peace (see Philippians 4:9 & 1 Thessalonians 5:24). God gives peace to His people as they look to Him (Isaiah 26:3). His peace is sufficient "at all times" and "in every way." If I don not have peace in some situation then I need to re-orient my life to the Lord and God of peace. Pray it through until peace comes (Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15).
Father, God of peace, I rejoice in the peace that you give. Help me to keep looking to you so that my life reflects Your peace to a troubled world.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Awful Reality
"They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power." 2 Thessalonians 1:10
Without a doubt the New Testament presents the reality of hell as an awful place to spend eternity apart from the Lord. Modern skeptics may dismiss the thought of hell and the concept of everlasting punishment but the Word of God stands firm on the matter.
Does hell move me to reach out to the unsaved near me with the prayer that they will believe and become citizens of heaven? Or have I unconsciously been lulled into complacency by the skepticism of this age?
Father, knowing that Your Word is true and will be fulfilled move me with a sense of urgency and compassion to reach out to the unsaved around me.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Without a doubt the New Testament presents the reality of hell as an awful place to spend eternity apart from the Lord. Modern skeptics may dismiss the thought of hell and the concept of everlasting punishment but the Word of God stands firm on the matter.
Does hell move me to reach out to the unsaved near me with the prayer that they will believe and become citizens of heaven? Or have I unconsciously been lulled into complacency by the skepticism of this age?
Father, knowing that Your Word is true and will be fulfilled move me with a sense of urgency and compassion to reach out to the unsaved around me.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Sunday, August 23, 2009
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Sanctification (i.e. holiness, Christ-likeness) is God's intent for every Christian's life. It is a thorough (through and through) sanctification that encompasses our entire being (spirit, soul, and body) that God intends to produce in my life and yours.
Sanctification is God's work. We can never sanctify ourselves. On our own we will return to the sin that we needed God to save us from in the first place. Sanctification is as much a divine work of grace as is salvation. To experience an ever increasing sanctification in our life we must receive it as God's work by faith and cooperate with Him in this great work by obedience. Don't forget the promise of the very next verse, "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (5:24).
Father, I believe that you alone can produce sancification in me and that you will do it. Teach me to receive this grace, trust your working in me, and to respond in obedience.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Sanctification (i.e. holiness, Christ-likeness) is God's intent for every Christian's life. It is a thorough (through and through) sanctification that encompasses our entire being (spirit, soul, and body) that God intends to produce in my life and yours.
Sanctification is God's work. We can never sanctify ourselves. On our own we will return to the sin that we needed God to save us from in the first place. Sanctification is as much a divine work of grace as is salvation. To experience an ever increasing sanctification in our life we must receive it as God's work by faith and cooperate with Him in this great work by obedience. Don't forget the promise of the very next verse, "The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (5:24).
Father, I believe that you alone can produce sancification in me and that you will do it. Teach me to receive this grace, trust your working in me, and to respond in obedience.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Hope Makes All the Difference
"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have not hope." 1 Thessalonians 4:13
Hope makes all the difference in grief. As Christians we grieve only our temporary separation from a fellow Christian who has died. With our grief is mixed the hope (confidence) that our loved one is very much alive and with the Lord.
Hope makes all the difference not only in grief but also in trials. Whatever we face as Christians we face with the confidence that God is with us and that we shall overcome through Christ. No matter what our present circumstance may be, we are never without hope because we are never without Christ.
Father, fill my mind and heart with the true hope that is mine in Christ. Let hope transform my outlook in every circumstance as I rely on Christ.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Hope makes all the difference in grief. As Christians we grieve only our temporary separation from a fellow Christian who has died. With our grief is mixed the hope (confidence) that our loved one is very much alive and with the Lord.
Hope makes all the difference not only in grief but also in trials. Whatever we face as Christians we face with the confidence that God is with us and that we shall overcome through Christ. No matter what our present circumstance may be, we are never without hope because we are never without Christ.
Father, fill my mind and heart with the true hope that is mine in Christ. Let hope transform my outlook in every circumstance as I rely on Christ.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
God's Fellow Worker
"We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith." 1 Thessalonians 3:2
God's fellow worker! Wow!!! What a title to bear. It speaks of both privilege and responsibility. It is a privilege to be on God's team and to participate in doing His work. Yet it is also a great responsibility to be faithful and carry out the work as assigned. Timothy was God's fellow worker but so is every Christian. No one is called to watch while others work. Every one is called to serve and witness in partnership with God. He works with us and through us as we answer His call. If we are faithful He will be faithful.
Father, what a privilege to be your partner in the work of the kingdom. Help me to be found faithful so that You can work through me as You desire to serve others and share the gospel.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
God's fellow worker! Wow!!! What a title to bear. It speaks of both privilege and responsibility. It is a privilege to be on God's team and to participate in doing His work. Yet it is also a great responsibility to be faithful and carry out the work as assigned. Timothy was God's fellow worker but so is every Christian. No one is called to watch while others work. Every one is called to serve and witness in partnership with God. He works with us and through us as we answer His call. If we are faithful He will be faithful.
Father, what a privilege to be your partner in the work of the kingdom. Help me to be found faithful so that You can work through me as You desire to serve others and share the gospel.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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