“The Importance of Prayer”

“The Importance of Prayer”

Colossians 1:9-15 Ray Kesler, the former President of Youth for Christ and the current President of Taylor University, was on one of his frequent flights. When lunch was served the young man next to him declined a lunch tray. During the whole lunchtime this man sat with his head bowed, apparently in prayer. Kesler was impressed (and maybe a little humbled) by the man's devotion. He commented to the young man that he wondered if he was a Christian because it appeared that he was fasting. The young man replied with words that shook Kelser to the core of his being. "I am a Satan worshiper and the members of my church have agreed to fast every Friday at noon. During that time we pray that the leaders of the Christian world will fall. We pray that they will fall into sexual sin, and that their family life would crumble." I felt a chill as I heard that story and then immediately...
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Making the transition

Making the transition

The word transition automatically implies change. Webster defines transition this way: a passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another: b: a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another. It is the act of preparing to do things in a different manner. It is the state of moving from one place to another or from one thing or task to another. As this year draws to an end we are transitioning into the new year. Naturally, many things are taking place as we prepare for the new year. Some customs include giving your home a thorough cleaning, discarding things we no longer have any use for, perhaps checking the freezer for items that need to be disposed of etc. Businesses take inventory of what products are left, which did well and which did not. Accountants review their financial books to determine where they stand financially. This year we have a transition of power in the...
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Seize The Gates

Seize The Gates

Dictionary.com defines gate as a movable barrier, usually on hinges, closing an opening in a fence, wall, or other enclosure. 2.an opening permitting passage through an enclosure. 3.a tower, architectural setting, etc., for defending or adorning such an opening or for providing a monumental entrance to a street, park, etc.: the gates of the walled city; the palace gate.4.any means of access or entrance THE Bible Dictionary (https://bible.gen.nz/amos/archaeology/gate.htm)describes the meaning of “gates” the "market", the "law court" (either formally in criminal cases or less formally as the place where family business or disputes were settled), the public forum where community business was discussed and gossip exchanged or the administrative center - the "Town Hall".  The gates were constructed like a fortress and meant to defend the city and keep the enemy out. http://www.crystalinks.com/jerusalemgates.html.Jesus Christ was crucified outside of the gate, Hebrews 13:12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. The prophets proclaim the word of God at the gates.Jeremiah 17:19-27....
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Jesus Died For You

Jesus Died For You

Jesus came into this world, took on flesh and walk on this earth for over 30 years. He didn’t come to condemn man but came seeking to save the lost. Jesus was rejected and misunderstood. Jesus knows what it is to be lied upon, talked about, mistreated and betrayed. He knew his fate upon entering this world but he came anyway. He came to die that you may live. Jesus came to save the morally good person, the kind person, the one who is generous to others and compassionate. He came to save the lesbian, homosexual, perverted, pimp, prostitute, murderer and child molester. He came to save the liar, drunkard, thief, adulterer and adulteress, and gambler. He came to save the gang leader, gang members, and terrorist. He came to save the uneducated, well educated, mentally ill, poor and rich. He came to save the unbeliever, the fool who says there is no God and the atheist. He came to save...
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How to Become Highly Sought After For Good Now and Always

How to Become Highly Sought After For Good Now and Always

… by friends and family, by co-workers, and by those in power and authority. The first thing to do is RECHARGE your spiritual batteries. There’s a prayer we like to pray here. It goes like this: I plug myself into the electrical power grid of the Holy Ghost. Why would you need to do that? Holy Spirit is the Power of God operating on the earth today. He runs an invisible spiritual Power Grid than spans the entire universe and beyond. Those who are connected to this power grid are the undefeated ones. They are the ones advancing the cause of Christ’s Kingdom each and every day. Look at this scripture: But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah. And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went...
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Pray with Confidence

Pray with Confidence

Pray with Confidence Prayer is a great adventure. Through prayer our weakness is exchanged for God’s power. Think of it – when we pray we are having a conversation with God Himself – the LORD Almighty – Creator of heaven and earth. 1 Tim. 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. KJV Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. KJV We have much reason to get excited about prayer! God’s Word tells us in James 5:16 …The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. KJV We hear a lot about the need for change these days. Prayer is the Christian’s instrument for change in the home, change in the church, change in the workplace, and change in our world. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name,...
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KEYS TO PRAYER

KEYS TO PRAYER

If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 18:19) The above scripture is what we refer to as the prayer of agreement. Basically, it is united prayer and it is very effective. The following keys are essential in the prayer of agreement. 1.) Notice it says if two of you shall agree… Where? on earth… You do not have to be in the same room with someone in order to pray the prayer of agreement. You do not even need to be in the same city or country, for that matter. If two people “on earth” pray the prayer of agreement, it shall be done for them… 2.) Another key word in this verse of Scripture is the word, “ask.” Some interpret this to mean, if two of you agree on earth, it shall be done. No that is not what...
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Pray for Others

Pray for Others

Most of us can hear in our minds the anguished voices of Christians and even non-Christians pleading to us, “Pray for me.” And quite often at the moment we make the promise to pray for others, the thought flashes, “But, what will I pray?” Paul wrote: 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…. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:12,18 Intercessory prayer is the act of petitioning God or praying on behalf of another person or group. Prayer is the answer for all situations; but, what exactly do we say to God concerning others? This is a valid question especially in situations where we are requested to pray for...
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Life Is Like A Cup Of Coffee.

Life Is Like A Cup Of Coffee.

Precious Friends, Okay, I admit it. I'm a coffee drinker. As you already know, I am a writer and I get up before six o'clock each and every morning and spend about four hours in the presence of the Lord. It is at this time that I hear from Him and write the messages that I diligently send to you. I have always said that it takes two things for me to be a good writer, a big dose of the anointing of God and a hot cup of good coffee. You can imagine how surprised I was when I found this inspiring short video called "Life Is Like A Cup Of Coffee." I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. But first, before you watch it, go get yourself a cup of hot brew, sit back, relax, and enjoy your life. Sip. Aaaahhhh.    God bless, Credit: Randall   http://youtu.be/U3NgzQ9Pcsg...
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Pay-ers, Pray-ers, and Play-ers

Pay-ers, Pray-ers, and Play-ers

There was a time in Christianity when there was a clear divide between the professional clergy and the laity -- the priests and the people. The prevailing paradigm was that the people gave their money in the offering on Sunday, and then the talented and God-ordained ministers did the work of preaching the Gospel. Of course, this idea was utterly unbiblical. The New Testament makes it clear that we are all ministers before God: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians...
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