(Taken from Pastor Rick's blog)
Our prayer should seek the will of God (1 John 5:13-15). Powerful prayers are prayers for God’s will. God’s will is found in His Word. God’s will is found by knowing Him richly. How exciting to pray knowing that God is going to grant these requests. When we don’t know what God’s will is, we should acknowledge that (James 4:13-15). This is not a lack of faith, this is humility. Let us pray according to the will of God.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Waiting
“Waiting is an art form.
There is a kind of waiting that is good for the soul, it builds it stronger, purges it of all trifling thoughts, purifies the expectations, makes one more like Jesus Christ, and builds a mighty faith within.
And there is another kind of waiting that deteriorates the souls, it turns one inward to self-pity, gross imaginations of impending disaster, anxiety and fear, discouragement, and ultimately despair.
Ironically, the decision lies in our court as to which one of these two kinds of waiting we will experience.
The term that best describes this stretch is, “holy expectation.” Our God is doing a wonderful work that all the earth may know that the Almighty Jehovah is faithful and true.”
-Eric Ludy-
"While I'm Waiting"
(lyrics by John Waller)
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
"I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope." -Psalm 130:5
There is a kind of waiting that is good for the soul, it builds it stronger, purges it of all trifling thoughts, purifies the expectations, makes one more like Jesus Christ, and builds a mighty faith within.
And there is another kind of waiting that deteriorates the souls, it turns one inward to self-pity, gross imaginations of impending disaster, anxiety and fear, discouragement, and ultimately despair.
Ironically, the decision lies in our court as to which one of these two kinds of waiting we will experience.
The term that best describes this stretch is, “holy expectation.” Our God is doing a wonderful work that all the earth may know that the Almighty Jehovah is faithful and true.”
-Eric Ludy-
"While I'm Waiting"
(lyrics by John Waller)
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
"I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope." -Psalm 130:5
Saturday, September 12, 2009
The importance of preaching the Gospel to YOURSELF daily
These truths that I am posting below are some that have really changed my life. Over these past summer months I have especially been drawn closer to the Lord in realizing more fully all aspects of the Gospel and what it REALLY means. As I think about what Christ did for me, I can't help but want to pour out my life to Him. In remembering these things daily, I am filled more and more with a passion to love and obey God and resist temptations that come across my path.
So I have found that as is preached in the sermon which I have taken notes from and posted below, and also in the book that I am mentioning in this note how important it is for us as Christians to preach to ourselves daily the Gospel.
Please take the time to read through this and buy the book if you are able because it is such an awesome tool designed to get you "launched in preaching the Gospel to yourself and rehearsing its benefits."
NOTES TAKEN FROM A SERMON BY PASTOR JOHN PIPER
The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ the righteous one died for our sins and rose again eternally triumphant over all of His enemies so that there is now no condemnation for those who believe but only everlasting joy.
That's the Gospel!
You never never NEVER outgrow your need for the Gospel!!!
Don't ever think of the Gospel as that's the way you get saved and then you get strong by leaving it and doing something else.
No. We are strengthened by God every day through the Gospel till the day we drop.
You never outgrow your need to preach to yourself the Gospel.
1 Thessalonians 5:9,10
"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him."
Don't try to be strong in your own strength. It WILL NOT be there when you need it. Only one strength will be there when you need it- the strength that God gives according to the Gospel.
Don't put it off.
--------------------------
I am HIGHLY recommending this book for all believers to have! It is so good!!!
The name of it is "A Gospel Primer for Christians." It's written by Milton Vincent. This book gives reasons why we should rehearse the Gospel daily and then gives and overview of the Gospel in several different forms including poetry and prose. Throughout the book it has noted the verses that go along with each statement in the book.
If you have any questions or comments, let me know.
And God bless you and encourage and strengthen you as you capture the meaning of preaching to yourself daily the Gospel!
Love,
Rachel
So I have found that as is preached in the sermon which I have taken notes from and posted below, and also in the book that I am mentioning in this note how important it is for us as Christians to preach to ourselves daily the Gospel.
Please take the time to read through this and buy the book if you are able because it is such an awesome tool designed to get you "launched in preaching the Gospel to yourself and rehearsing its benefits."
NOTES TAKEN FROM A SERMON BY PASTOR JOHN PIPER
The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ the righteous one died for our sins and rose again eternally triumphant over all of His enemies so that there is now no condemnation for those who believe but only everlasting joy.
That's the Gospel!
You never never NEVER outgrow your need for the Gospel!!!
Don't ever think of the Gospel as that's the way you get saved and then you get strong by leaving it and doing something else.
No. We are strengthened by God every day through the Gospel till the day we drop.
You never outgrow your need to preach to yourself the Gospel.
1 Thessalonians 5:9,10
"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him."
Don't try to be strong in your own strength. It WILL NOT be there when you need it. Only one strength will be there when you need it- the strength that God gives according to the Gospel.
Don't put it off.
--------------------------
The name of it is "A Gospel Primer for Christians." It's written by Milton Vincent. This book gives reasons why we should rehearse the Gospel daily and then gives and overview of the Gospel in several different forms including poetry and prose. Throughout the book it has noted the verses that go along with each statement in the book.
If you have any questions or comments, let me know.
And God bless you and encourage and strengthen you as you capture the meaning of preaching to yourself daily the Gospel!
Love,
Rachel
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