Sermon: We need more Prayer

Glory to Good in the highest all in Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit of God Forever in the Name of Jesus.
We need more prayer today. The question is why? There is so much evil in the world that we must get closer to God to protect our souls. Jesus was born to take away the sins of the world. Jesus died on the cross to give us our salvation to live with He and God for ever. God raised him on the third day, all to the Glory of God. This is what our faith. Glory to God in The Highest. We thank Thee Lord for such a wonderful gift in Christ Jesus.

We need more prayer to acknowledge this all important gift of our salvation that can overcome all the evils of this world. The key is The Lords Prayer:


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Lord's Prayer Commentary
by John Calvin

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Matthew chapter 6 verse 13

13. And lead us not into temptation Some people have split this petition into two. This is wrong: for the nature of the subject makes it manifest, that it is one and the same petition. The connection of the words also shows it: for the word but, which is placed between, connects the two clauses together, as Augustine judiciously explains. The sentence ought to be resolved thus, That we may not be led into temptation, deliver us from evil The meaning is: “We are conscious Of our own weakness, and desire to enjoy the protection of God, that we may remain impregnable against all the assaults of Satan.” We showed from the former petition, that no man can be reckoned a Christian, who does not acknowledge himself to be a sinner; and in the same manner, we conclude from this petition, that we have no strength for living a holy life, except so far as we obtain it from God. Whoever implores the assistance of God to overcome temptations, acknowledges that, unless God deliver him, he will be constantly falling. 441 “Afin qu'i! ne trebusche pas a chacun coup;” — “that he may not reel at every blow.”
The word temptation is often used generally for any kind of trial. In this sense God is said to have tempted Abraham, (Genesis 22:1 ,) when he tried his faith. We are tempted both by adversity and by prosperity: because each of them is an occasion of bringing to light feelings which were formerly concealed. But here it denotes inward temptation, which may be fitly called the scourge of the devil, for exciting our lust. It would be foolish to ask, that God would keep us free from every thing which makes trial of our faith. All wicked emotions, which excite us to sin, are included under the name of temptation Though it is not impossible that we may feel such pricks in our minds, (for, during the whole course of our life, we have a constant warfare with the flesh,) yet we ask that the Lord would not cause us to be thrown down, or suffer us to be overwhelmed, by temptations
In order to express this truth more clearly, that we are liable to constant stumbling and ruinous falls, if God does not uphold us with his hand, Christ used this form of expression, (μὴ εἰσενέγκὟς,) Lead us not into temptation: or, as some render it, Bring us not into temptation It is certainly true, that “every man is tempted,” as the Apostle James says, (1:14 ) “by his own lust:” yet, as God not only gives us up to the will of Satan, to kindle the flame of lust, but employs him as the agent of his wrath, when he chooses to drive men headlong to destruction, he may be also said, in a way peculiar to himself, to lead them into temptation In the same sense, “an evil spirit from the Lord” is said to have “seized or troubled Saul,” (1 Samuel 16:14 :) and there are many passages of Scripture to the same purpose. And yet we will not therefore say, that God is the author of evil: because, by giving men over to a reprobate mind,” (Romans 1:28 ,) he does not exercise a confused tyranny, but executes his just, though secret 442 “Combien que la raison nous en soit incognue;” — “though the reason of them may be unknown to us.” judgments.
Deliver us from evil The word evil (πονηροῦ) may either be taken in the neuter gender, as signifying the evil thing, or in the masculine gender, as signifying the evil one Chrysostom refers it to the Devil, who is the contriver of every thing evil, and, as the deadly enemy of our salvation, is continually fighting against us. 443 Chrysostom's words are: — Πονηρὸν ἐνταῦθα τὸν διάζολον καλεῖ Κατ ᾿ ἐξοχὴν δὲ οἱτος ἐκεῖνος καλεῖται διὰ τὴν ὑπερζολὴν τὢς κακίας, καὶ ἐπειδὰν μηδὲν παρ ᾿ ἡμῶν ἀδικηθεὶς ἄσπονδον πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἔχει τὸυ πόλεμον. “He calls the Devil, in this place, THE EVIL ONE. He is, by way of eminence, so called, on account of his superlative wickedness, and because, though he has received no injury from us, he carries on against us an implacable war.” — Ed. But it may, with equal propriety, be explained as referring to sin There is no necessity for raising a debate on this point: for the meaning remains nearly the same, that we are in danger from the devil and from sin, if the Lord does not protect and deliver us.
For thine is the kingdom It is surprising that this clause, which agrees so well with the rest of the prayer, has been left out by the Latins: 444 That part of the Lord's Prayer, which we commonly call the conclusion, is not found in the Gospel by Luke, and its genuineness has been questioned. None of the Latin copies (as Calvin mentions) have it: but even those who have most zealously maintained that it is spurious, admit that it exists in the greater number of the Greek manuscripts. Erasmus, Grotius, Witsius, Griesbach, Matthaei, and Scholz, may be consulted by those who wish to examine the question for themselves, and to hear all that has been said on both sides. Any thing like the summing up of the argument here would exceed the limits of a note. — Ed.
for it was not added merely for the purpose of kindling our hearts to seek the glory of God, and of reminding us what ought to be the object of our prayers; but likewise to teach us, that our prayers, which are here dictated to us, are founded on God alone, that we may not rely on our own merits.

Do continue to pray. Bless this ministry and all our followers. Let us continue to grow and bless others, we pray for Gods' Will for our families.We ASK this in Jesus name....


John Calvin (1509-1564) - Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 1

Scripture for Life meets Prayer Time

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

from Psalm 27

Devotion: Praise The Lord of All Help...

Prayer: Dear God of All Help, we need Thee Today. Violence and Joblessness are the order of the day. People need help. Our systems are too weak to help. Only You can save us in Christ Jesus. We Thank You Lord for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. We give you all power, glory and honor for ever. A-men

CASTING OUR CARE ON CHRIST



"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." - 1PET 5:7

Casting our cares upon Christ is the only sure way of soothing sorrow. What can be a greater consolation than to receive the faith to believe "He careth for you"?

Christian! Do not dishonour the tender, caring love of your Saviour by always wearing a brow of care. Come, cast your burden upon your Lord. You are staggering beneath a weight that your heavenly Father will carry for you. What seems to you a crushing burden, would be to Him but as the small dust of the balance. Nothing is so sweet as to

"Lie passive in God's hands,
And know no will but His."

Isn't it true that most often our greatest concerns are with regard for tomorrow? Our Saviour gives us such blessed consolation in MAT 6:34 where He says, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Our blessed Lord gives strength for the burdens of the day--but we all to often attempt to carry the load of tomorrow with it. That is why our burden seems heavier than we can bear. O dear child of God, be patient; our God sends these trials in providence to prove our faith in Him, He has not passed you by in His providence.

See how our Saviour counsels His little flock to trust in our Heavenly Father's providing care! "And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" MAT 6:28-30.

In His infinite wisdom our God's purpose is to wean us from trusting in an arm of flesh. As we enter His service we find all our spiritual and temporal needs supplied in abundance. Our Saviour says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you," MAT 6:33.

Our tender heavenly Father, who feeds the sparrows, will also furnish you with what you need. Do not sit not down in despair; look away from the circumstances unto Christ in faith. See what He says in JOH 3:14, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up."

As long the Israelites looked upon the fiery serpents, they died, but the command was, "...Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live," NUM 21:8. Even so Christ must be lifted up before the eye of faith, and when we look away from our present circumstances unto Christ--we shall live!

Look unto Christ in a sea of trouble, our text says to, "Cast all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." Our loving Saviour cares. His eye is fixed on you, His heart beats with pity for your woe, and His hand omnipotent shall yet bring you the needed help. The darkest cloud shall scatter itself in showers of mercy. The blackest gloom shall give place to the morning.

Nothing heals any wound like the Balm of Gilead, i.e., the love of our crucified Christ. If you are one of His family, He will bind up your wounds, and heal your broken heart. Doubt not His grace because of your tribulation, but believe. He loves you as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness. What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence!

With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah and the widow that sustained him outlived the famine, and you will do the same. Seeing God cares for you, why should you care too? Can you trust Him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens, He has never fainted under their weight.

Come, then, souls! Be done with fretful care, and leave all your concerns in the hand of a gracious Saviour. "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." Amen.



STILL SWEETER EVERY DAY


To Jesus ev'ry day I find my heart is closer drawn;
He's fairer than the glory of the gold and purple dawn;
He's all my fancy pictures in its fairest dreams, and more;
Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.


His glory broke upon me when I saw Him from afar;
He's fairer than the lily, brighter than the morning star;
He fills and satisfies my longing spirit o'er and o'er;
Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.

My heart is sometimes heavy, but He comes with sweet relief;
He folds me to His bosom when I droop with blighting grief;
I love the Christ who all my burdens in His body bore;
Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before.
The half cannot be fancied this side the golden shore;
Oh, there He'll be still sweeter than He ever was before.

- W. C. Martin

Lord Bless all who read these words in Jesus name. We pray for an increase in followers in the name of our Lord and Savior....

Prayer in Scripture

THE GOODNESS OF GOD IN HIS NATURE AND DEEDS

PSA 119:68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

>>As we survey the context of our text we find the same blessed principle taught in

PHI 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ.

Let us pray without stopping in the Lord.

Bible Study: At The Feet of Jesus

At the Feet of Jesus

Luke 10:38-42 Luke 10:38-42 (New American Standard Bible)

Martha and Mary
38Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named (A)Martha welcomed Him into her home.
39She had a sister called (B)Mary, who was (C)seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word.

40But (D)Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me."

41But the Lord answered and said to her, "(E)Martha, Martha, you are (F)worried and bothered about so many things;

42(G)but only one thing is necessary, for (H)Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."


Cross references:
A.Luke 10:38 : Luke 10:40; John 11:1, 5, 19-ff, 30, 39;

 The heart of worship is to find ourselves at the feet of Jesus in submission.
 How often do we find ourselves there?
o Do I really possess a strong desire for God and His presence in my life?
o Do I go through life largely consumed with secular pursuits and worldly entertainment, while the things of God have little place in my life?

 Every time in the Word that we encounter Mary of Bethany (the sister of Lazarus) we find her at the feet of Jesus.

1. At His Feet to Listen to His Words.
a. While Martha was busy, Mary was at the feet of Jesus listening to Him.
b. She was open to what He had to say.
c. She was hungry to know Him and hear from Him.
d. Jesus declared that Mary had chosen the good part.
e. Sometimes we get so caught up like Martha in trying to do the work and service of Christianity that we forfeit what is really important.
f. We can get so busy in the doing that we forget the being.
g. The most important thing a Christian will ever do is worship Jesus, and the best place to do that is at His feet.

2. At His Feet to Bless and Anoint Him.
a. John 12:3 – Mary anoints the feet of Jesus and wipes them with her hair.
b. So often people are looking to receive an anointing or blessing from God rather than looking for opportunities to anoint and bless Him.
c. The highest degree or form of devotion is to give to someone without the motivation of getting anything in return.
d. Mary’s act was motivated purely by love.
e. A note in the Full Life Study Bible declares, “(Mary’s) faith in and devotion to the Lord is the highest example of what God desires in believers.”

3. At His Feet When He Didn’t Do Things they Way She Wanted or Expected.
a. John 11:32 – Lazarus was in a tomb. Surely Jesus could have prevented that.
b. Even though Jesus had not acted in the way Mary had desired, she still laid at His feet in devotion, submission and worship.
c. The true character of a person’s heart will be revealed when God acts differently from their desires or expectations.
d. Whenever God is doing things that are beneficial or going your way, it is real easy to worship Him and be at His feet.
e. True worship that is genuine and from the heart comes regardless of the circumstances in which we find ours at the feet of Jesus.

Great God Almighty

We Praise God for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior and The Holy Spirit of God all in Christ Jesus.

GREAT GOD ALMIGHTY There is a time for war and there is a time for peace. The time has come to lay down your weapons and to turn them into plowshares. It is time now to give food to the widows, go and tend to your orphans, heal the wounded, give comfort the aged, and bring peace upon your night and day. I gave my creation as a gift so that mankind could become fruitful and to multiply. The division and subtraction are the making of the evil that lies in a mans heart and soul. Behold, I am watching you, and I alone know you well.

It was I, the Alpha and the Omega, who created the Heavens and the Earth. It was I, the Creator, who breathed eternal air into the lungs of man and woman whom I also created. Because of my love for you, you and you alone were given domain over all that lives in the seas, that which soars through the skies, and all things, great and small, that move upon the land. I am he, the Beginning and the End.

I know what is hidden in your heart. I know every thought that has entered your mind. Do you not remember, it is I who knows the number of hairs upon your head. There will come a time when you will stand before me, and like an open book, I will read the balance of good and evil within your soul. It is then, in a twinkling of the eye, that I will measure the reward of your eternal salvation. Woe to those who follow in the path of that devil, known as Satan.

Sermon: The Importance of Prayer

Our message today is one of great importance in the life of the believer. We want to direct our attention on exactly how important prayer is in our walk of faith. Let us pray:

Dear God in Heaven;

We pray that your word be magnified through out the universe. We love You so much today. We Bless Your Holy name. Let those who read these words are moved in new directions in Your perfect will.

We thank you Lord and give you all the praise in the name of Jesus Christ A-men.

Sermon: The Importance of Prayer: "Hallowed be Thy name"

Matthew 6:9

Our source of scripture is simply and clear. "Hallow be Thy name" is the main focus of the Lord's prayer. God is the most important person of all prayer. This is not as easy as it sounds. People are under tremendous pressure today. The problems of the world are overwhelming at best. People are so troubled that they do not know what to do. The question is, who is most important in the universe?

The answer to our question is one of profound meaning. God is the creator and heavenly father, there is no other force in the universe. When we pray it is our deepest desires. Our prayers represent the depths of our heart and soul. To whom to we direct our petitions of help, mercy and thanksgiving? Who gave us life, love and the pursuit of happiness? Who must we turn to when the world has done what it can do?

In conclusion, our prayer life reflects our eternal soul. We pray to live. God is still on the throne and loves us more than we can ever imagine. Hallow be Thy name means that God alone is Holy. We understand the Goodness and Power of God and His name is to be Blessed. Jesus Christ is our main source of joy. God so loved the world that He gave us Jesus for our sin debt. Jesus dead on the cross for our sins, conquered death, and rose to be with God for our salvation. Our prayer is to acknowledge God for all that has done.Let us pray:

We praise God, Hallow be Thy name. Thank you for being our God. The joy of our salvation is all found in Christ Jesus We thank you Lord for all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. We pray for all people in all places. We ask for a special prayer for our ministry and followers to be blessed beyound measure. Touch all in need in the Name of Jesus, we give you all the Power, Glory and Honor A-men.