prayer

We Will Come Under Attack

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We need to be careful not to underestimate the power of evil and darkness in this world.  We should read the Word of God daily to help us keep God in the center of our lives.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:10-15

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Falls Park in South Dakota)

Prayer and His Presence

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“Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:4-7

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling through Colorado)

Simplify

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This is one of my favorite life verses…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

Spirit Living

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

(This photo was taken in the summer of 2013 while driving through Colorado)

Persevere

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“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12

(This photo was taken in the summer of 2013 while driving through parts of Colorado)

Questions

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We are asked questions constantly in life, about everything and anything.  We get questions about family, work, food, home, where we are and what we are doing.  Often it gets overwhelming and we have so many little questions or less important questions such as “how are you doing?” that they become more like a greeting and not a question seeking a real answer.

When we are asked questions of deeper importance or questions that require time in thought we tend to get uncomfortable and unsure of our answer.  When we dive into our faith journey we we all come to the moment when we hear the Lord ask…“Whom shall I send?” when we do hear that question it will be important to spend time in prayer and conversation to know when it is your turn to answer…

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?’  And I said, ‘Here am I.  Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 while driving the north shore of Maui)

Prayer

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It is not to be reserved for only for times in worship, before a meal or before going to sleep…as we work to mature on our faith journey, prayer is that communication with our Lord that we use to share our everyday moments with Him.  It gives any of us the opportunity to express our joys, moments of praise and thanksgiving as well as our sadness or struggle with people and events in this world.

This photo is a picture of the original chapel that was used when our church began in the late 1800’s.  Before this building the first families started out gathering in their homes to worship together.  Today we are across the street in a much larger brick facility with over 600 families as members and countless others who attend and volunteer…I am confident some of the prayers of those original families included that this church should grow and develop to be able to sustain the faith of many in our community.

Prayer is a gift…it is my belief that every prayer is answered…the answers may not always be what we want or what we hope for, nevertheless God still cherishes every moment we talk with Him.

“Be joyful always;  pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

He Is Always With Us

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“O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.  You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid you hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.  Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there;  if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there you hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

Psalm 139:1-10

When The Enemy Pursues You

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While we live our faith journey on earth we will always need to be aware of the three things working against us…the flesh, the world and Satan.  We need to hold onto the Word and to prayer to nourish our faith and keep us strong.  David wrote many prayers in the Book of Psalms…this is one of my favorites…

“O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.  Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.

The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead.  So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.  I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.  I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.

Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit fails.  Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.  Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.  Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you.  Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.  In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.”

Psalm 143