Prayer

In the New Testament book of James, we learn several things about praying. James teaches about:

1. Faith-filled prayers (1:5-8) “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting”
2. Missing prayers (4:2b) “Yet you do not have because you do not ask.”
3. Selfish prayers (4:3) “you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures”
4. Unselfish prayers (5:16a) “pray for one another”
5. Effective, fervent prayers (5:16b) “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
(Written by Rev. Keith Davis)

Take Time To Pray!

Blessings!
Rex

Learning To Be Content

Philippians 4:11-13 reads, ". . . for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Yes, contentment is "learned!" It begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ. It develops when you learn to rely on His strength and provision in "any and every situation". Praise God for this awesome reality!

Prayer: "Lord, teach me to rely on Your strength and provision in "any and every situation". In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Blessings!
Rex

Return To The Lord!

". . . listen, all who live in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your forefathers?" (Joel 1:2)

The prophet, Joel, proclaimed that the devastating locust plague was God's punishment for Judah's sins! There was a complete destruction of their agricultural based economy! Yet, there was still hope! In Joel 2:12-14, God extends an offer of forgiveness and restoration. "Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing. . ."

Prayer: "Lord, forgive us and restore Your blessings upon our land. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Blessings!
Rex

Blessed Are They That Mourn (Part 2)

Matthew 5:4 reads, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Mourn? The reference is to mourning over one's sins. The reference can also be mourning over the sins of one's nation.

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)

Believers should mourn over the sinfulness of our nation. We should seek to live holy lives so as to be "salt and light" to our nation.

Prayer: "Lord, send a revival and spiritual awakening across our country! In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Blessings!
Rex

Blessed Are They That Mourn

Matthew 5:4 reads, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Mourn? The reference is to mourning over one's sins. Our sins separate us from a Holy God. Our sins lead to unanswered prayers!

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." (Isaiah 59:12)

Prayer: "Lord, forgive me today of any sin. May my life reflect Your holiness. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Blessings!
Rex

Unanswered Prayer

Sometimes our prayers go unanswered because of our sinfulness. Psalm 66:18 reads, "If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear." Yet, when we acknowledge our sins, repent of them and ask God's forgiveness, then God will hear us.

Psalm 66:19-20 reads, "But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer nor His lovingkindness from me." (NASB)

Prayer: "Lord, thank you for answered prayers! In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Blessings!
Rex

God Heals The Broken Hearted

Psalm 147:3 reads, "He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds".

Yes, God can heal broken hearts! God can help and wants to help! Call upon Him today!

Prayer: "Lord, thank you for healing the brokenhearted! I pray for them to realize Your touch today. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Blessings!
Rex

Jesus, Our Calm In The Storms

Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him saying, "Lord, save us, we're going to drown! He replied, you of little faith, why are you so afraid? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves and it was completely calm." (Matthew 8:24-26)

When the disciples realized they were helpless in the storm, they called on Jesus. Jesus calmed the storm and the fear of the disciples turned to amazement at the power of Jesus! He was with them all along, yet they needed only to call upon him!

In a storm? Call upon Him today!

Prayer: "Lord, remove the fears from my life. Replace it with amazement at Your power! In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Blessings!
Rex

Vitality! A Benefit Of Living By God's Word

Wise living (a lifestyle based on a relationship with God and the teachings of His Word) produces a life of vitality.

"My son. . .keep wisdom and discretion, so they will be life to your soul" (Proverbs 3:21-22a)

Life? Enriched, abundant, full of vitality!

Is Jesus Your Lord? Have you read, studied, and applied His Word today? Enjoy the benefit of vitality promised to those who will!

Prayer: "Lord, give me a renewed hunger for You and Your Word! In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Blessings!
Rex

Peace! The Benefit Of Living According To God's Word

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you." (Proverbs 3:1-2)

Peace? "Being at ease internally and externally" (Vines Expository Dictionary) or as one writer described it; "a life worth living" (Expositor's Bible Commentary).

Want peace? It is a benefit of reading, learning and living out God's Word!

Have you read your Bible today?

Blessings!
Rex