Monday, September 29, 2008
This Weeks Prayer
Make personal and corporate prayer a priority this week and ask God to direct your focus to His agenda. Pray for our government leaders as they make decisions affecting our nation and the entire world. Pray for the stock markets and economic systems, our national security, military, and the upcoming elections. Pray God's will for Israel. Ask God to direct you to vote for those that stand for what is godly and not their own agendas. James 5:16; 2 Chron. 7:14
Even Jesus Had To Pray
Jesus modeled a lifestyle of prayer for us, as shown in the Gospels. Even though He was Lord and possessed all dominion and authority, while on Earth He had to operate according to the laws set forth by God for all humans (see Gen. 1:26-27; John 10:1-2). Even Jesus had to ask the Father for the things He needed on Earth.
God Himself declared in the book of Psalms: "'Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession" (Ps. 2:8, NKJV).
It is true, even Jesus had to pray: "'And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever'" (John 14:16). If He had to approach His Father in prayer, then surely we can understand His instruction to us: "'So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened'"(Luke11:9-10, emphasis added).
Jesus' instruction in Luke 11 not only reminds us of our need to spend time with the Father in prayer, but it also tells us of the Father's response when we do pray. He will listen! He will open the door! He will provide!
Remember the words of James: "You do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:2). I don't know who came up with the idea that God doesn't answer prayer. All I see in the Scriptures is the God whom Jesus described in Mark 11:22-24. "'Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.'"
God longs for us to rediscover the power of that old-fashioned "sweet hour of prayer." A brief prayer mumbled somewhere between the on-ramp of the freeway and the fast-food window on the way to work is not enough! That is not characteristic of a prayer life based on a vibrant relationship with a living God. It is the fulfillment of an obligation—and a half-hearted fulfillment at that. Such "prayer" can never fill the longing of either the Father's heart or your own.
Jesus still calls out to believers just as He called to the slumbering disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane: "'What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?'" (Matt. 26:40).
I hear another voice, the voice of Andrew Murray. Hear him as he too calls us to drink from the well of fervent prayer: "[This] is the secret of the life of prayer. Take time in the inner chamber to bow down and worship; and wait on Him till He unveils Himself, and takes possession of you, and goes out with you to show how a man may live and walk in abiding fellowship with an unseen Lord."
Why do we believe we can live the victorious Christian life without prayer when even the Son of God needed times of fervent prayer just to go from day to day? No preacher is fit to speak to God's people until he has first paid the price in prayer to hear the heart of the Father concerning His people. No Christian can claim to be fully equipped and prepared to live for Christ until he or she first pays the price to seek His face and surrender all to Him.
If you want to grow in your faith, receive powerful answers to your prayers and live as an overcoming victorious Christian, schedule time to privately meet with God to pray and be sure to keep the appointment.
God Himself declared in the book of Psalms: "'Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession" (Ps. 2:8, NKJV).
It is true, even Jesus had to pray: "'And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever'" (John 14:16). If He had to approach His Father in prayer, then surely we can understand His instruction to us: "'So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened'"(Luke11:9-10, emphasis added).
Jesus' instruction in Luke 11 not only reminds us of our need to spend time with the Father in prayer, but it also tells us of the Father's response when we do pray. He will listen! He will open the door! He will provide!
Remember the words of James: "You do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:2). I don't know who came up with the idea that God doesn't answer prayer. All I see in the Scriptures is the God whom Jesus described in Mark 11:22-24. "'Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.'"
God longs for us to rediscover the power of that old-fashioned "sweet hour of prayer." A brief prayer mumbled somewhere between the on-ramp of the freeway and the fast-food window on the way to work is not enough! That is not characteristic of a prayer life based on a vibrant relationship with a living God. It is the fulfillment of an obligation—and a half-hearted fulfillment at that. Such "prayer" can never fill the longing of either the Father's heart or your own.
Jesus still calls out to believers just as He called to the slumbering disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane: "'What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?'" (Matt. 26:40).
I hear another voice, the voice of Andrew Murray. Hear him as he too calls us to drink from the well of fervent prayer: "[This] is the secret of the life of prayer. Take time in the inner chamber to bow down and worship; and wait on Him till He unveils Himself, and takes possession of you, and goes out with you to show how a man may live and walk in abiding fellowship with an unseen Lord."
Why do we believe we can live the victorious Christian life without prayer when even the Son of God needed times of fervent prayer just to go from day to day? No preacher is fit to speak to God's people until he has first paid the price in prayer to hear the heart of the Father concerning His people. No Christian can claim to be fully equipped and prepared to live for Christ until he or she first pays the price to seek His face and surrender all to Him.
If you want to grow in your faith, receive powerful answers to your prayers and live as an overcoming victorious Christian, schedule time to privately meet with God to pray and be sure to keep the appointment.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Cell phone vs. Bible
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat
our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
He Can Do The Impossibilety Max Lucado
The kingdom of heaven. Its citizens are drunk on wonder.
Consider the case of Sarai. She is in her golden years, but God promises her a son. She gets excited. She visits the maternity shop and buys a few dresses. She plans her shower and remodels her tent ... but no son. She eats a few birthday cakes and blows out a lot of candles ... still no son. She goes through a decade of wall calendars ... still no son.
So Sarai decides to take matters into her own hands. ("Maybe God needs me to take care of this one.")
She convinces Abram that time is running out. ("Face it, Abe, you ain't getting any younger, either.") She commands her maid, Hagar, to go into Abram's tent and see if he needs anything. ("And I mean 'anything'!") Hagar goes in a maid. She comes out a mom. And the problems begin.
Hagar is haughty. Sarai is jealous. Abram is dizzy from the dilemma. And God calls the baby boy a "wild donkey"--an appropriate name for one born out of stubbornness and destined to kick his way into history.
It isn't the cozy family Sarai expected. And it isn't a topic Abram and Sarai bring up very often at dinner.
Finally, fourteen years later, when Abram is pushing a century of years and Sarai ninety ... when Abram has stopped listening to Sarai's advice, and Sarai has stopped giving it ... when the wallpaper in the nursery is faded and the baby furniture is several seasons out of date ... when the topic of the promised child brings sighs and tears and long looks into a silent sky ... God pays them a visit and tells them they had better select a name for their new son.
Abram and Sarai have the same response: laughter. They laugh partly because it is too good to happen and partly because it might. They laugh because they have given up hope, and hope born anew is always funny before it is real.
They laugh at the lunacy of it all.
They laugh because that is what you do when someone says he can do the impossible. They laugh a little at God, and a lot with God--for God is laughing, too. Then, with the smile still on his face, he gets busy doing what he does best--the unbelievable.
He changes a few things--beginning with their names. Abram, the father of one, will now be Abraham, the father of a multitude. Sarai, the barren one, will now be Sarah, the mother.
But their names aren't the only things God changes. He changes their minds. He changes their faith. He changes the number of their tax deductions. He changes the way they define the word impossible.
Consider the case of Sarai. She is in her golden years, but God promises her a son. She gets excited. She visits the maternity shop and buys a few dresses. She plans her shower and remodels her tent ... but no son. She eats a few birthday cakes and blows out a lot of candles ... still no son. She goes through a decade of wall calendars ... still no son.
So Sarai decides to take matters into her own hands. ("Maybe God needs me to take care of this one.")
She convinces Abram that time is running out. ("Face it, Abe, you ain't getting any younger, either.") She commands her maid, Hagar, to go into Abram's tent and see if he needs anything. ("And I mean 'anything'!") Hagar goes in a maid. She comes out a mom. And the problems begin.
Hagar is haughty. Sarai is jealous. Abram is dizzy from the dilemma. And God calls the baby boy a "wild donkey"--an appropriate name for one born out of stubbornness and destined to kick his way into history.
It isn't the cozy family Sarai expected. And it isn't a topic Abram and Sarai bring up very often at dinner.
Finally, fourteen years later, when Abram is pushing a century of years and Sarai ninety ... when Abram has stopped listening to Sarai's advice, and Sarai has stopped giving it ... when the wallpaper in the nursery is faded and the baby furniture is several seasons out of date ... when the topic of the promised child brings sighs and tears and long looks into a silent sky ... God pays them a visit and tells them they had better select a name for their new son.
Abram and Sarai have the same response: laughter. They laugh partly because it is too good to happen and partly because it might. They laugh because they have given up hope, and hope born anew is always funny before it is real.
They laugh at the lunacy of it all.
They laugh because that is what you do when someone says he can do the impossible. They laugh a little at God, and a lot with God--for God is laughing, too. Then, with the smile still on his face, he gets busy doing what he does best--the unbelievable.
He changes a few things--beginning with their names. Abram, the father of one, will now be Abraham, the father of a multitude. Sarai, the barren one, will now be Sarah, the mother.
But their names aren't the only things God changes. He changes their minds. He changes their faith. He changes the number of their tax deductions. He changes the way they define the word impossible.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
This Weeks Prayer
This week ask the Lord to remove from your heart anything that hinders you from receiving all He has for you. Pray for the upcoming elections, the peace of Jerusalem and the persecuted church. Continue to pray for our troops to come home in victory. Pray for those affected by the recent tropical storms, hurricanes and floods. Pray that the Church would unite to pray God’s will over our nation and take responsibility to vote as He leads. I Thes. 5:17
Monday, September 22, 2008
Hurricane Ike Disaster Relief
We have today been ab le to go “live” with some information on Hurricane Ike. Many of our people have inquired how they can donate to this cause. Please use every means of communication you have to share the following information with your area. They can visit the International COGOP website: http://cogop.org, click on the first rollover picture which is labeled, “Hurricane Ike Disaster Relief.” This will take them to pages that will give some information and ways for us to receive donations from those wanting to give. .
God bless,
Sam N. Clements
North America General Presbyter
God bless,
Sam N. Clements
North America General Presbyter
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Chrisma Magazine
September 18, 2008
Washington Post Lampoons Palin and Pentecostalsby Steve Strang
When it became known that Sarah Palin grew up as a Pentecostal, it was only a matter of time before the attacks began. Palin and the McCain campaign have been discreet about her faith. And our article in the new issue of Charisma (in the mail now) and in our Charisma News Bulletin (click here to read it) says that she has attended the “evangelical” Wasilla Bible Church since 2002.
It’s not uncommon for Pentecostals to be made fun of in the press. It’s happened for years--even by other Christians who look down on or disagree with Pentecostal distinctives such as speaking in tongues. But a cartoon at washingtonpost.com by Pat Oliphant went too far and borders on blasphemy. Read more if you want to be shocked.
Also, below is a letter from David Tyree, the New York Jets football player who made the amazing “catch” at the Super Bowl. You’ll want to read his letter about how to order his new book. I just read the book, and it is inspiring to see how God has worked in his life. It is also “a good read.” I believe you’ll enjoy it.
At the end of this e-newsletter is information from Robert Stearns on an important rally being held next Monday, Sept. 22, in New York in support of Israel. Interestingly, vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, a believer and advocate of Israel, will speak at the rally. E-mail copies to your friends who may be able to attend.Back to the cartoon on the Post’s Web site. If you want to see it and read the rest of the Strang Report, click here
Dear Friend,
This year’s Super Bowl was a day I will never forget. There will be many stories told of the behind-the-scenes events that led up to that historic game. God moved so suddenly and miraculously there that “David Tyree” has become a household name. And, because of a couple of plays, now people want to know my story.
More Than Just The Catch tells my story. It includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. When you finish it, you will know that its message is about more than a game. It is about a life changed and the One who changed it. God allowed me to be a part of what some people have called the greatest play in Super Bowl history to provide a platform so that He would get the glory. I believe that many lives will be touched by the truth of this.
My motive for sharing my life story is to encourage others to put their trust in God. I want people to know that Jesus is real. I pray that my testimony will release miracles to every person who reads it. I especially want to shout out this promise to the young people who think it is boring to serve God: miracles are never boring!
I also pray that my story will touch the lives of professional athletes who have been distracted and separated from the reality of what success is. When the cameras’ flashing lights dim and go out, I cannot be a hero to the world and not be a hero...
Continue to Article
Washington Post Lampoons Palin and Pentecostalsby Steve Strang
When it became known that Sarah Palin grew up as a Pentecostal, it was only a matter of time before the attacks began. Palin and the McCain campaign have been discreet about her faith. And our article in the new issue of Charisma (in the mail now) and in our Charisma News Bulletin (click here to read it) says that she has attended the “evangelical” Wasilla Bible Church since 2002.
It’s not uncommon for Pentecostals to be made fun of in the press. It’s happened for years--even by other Christians who look down on or disagree with Pentecostal distinctives such as speaking in tongues. But a cartoon at washingtonpost.com by Pat Oliphant went too far and borders on blasphemy. Read more if you want to be shocked.
Also, below is a letter from David Tyree, the New York Jets football player who made the amazing “catch” at the Super Bowl. You’ll want to read his letter about how to order his new book. I just read the book, and it is inspiring to see how God has worked in his life. It is also “a good read.” I believe you’ll enjoy it.
At the end of this e-newsletter is information from Robert Stearns on an important rally being held next Monday, Sept. 22, in New York in support of Israel. Interestingly, vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, a believer and advocate of Israel, will speak at the rally. E-mail copies to your friends who may be able to attend.Back to the cartoon on the Post’s Web site. If you want to see it and read the rest of the Strang Report, click here
Dear Friend,
This year’s Super Bowl was a day I will never forget. There will be many stories told of the behind-the-scenes events that led up to that historic game. God moved so suddenly and miraculously there that “David Tyree” has become a household name. And, because of a couple of plays, now people want to know my story.
More Than Just The Catch tells my story. It includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. When you finish it, you will know that its message is about more than a game. It is about a life changed and the One who changed it. God allowed me to be a part of what some people have called the greatest play in Super Bowl history to provide a platform so that He would get the glory. I believe that many lives will be touched by the truth of this.
My motive for sharing my life story is to encourage others to put their trust in God. I want people to know that Jesus is real. I pray that my testimony will release miracles to every person who reads it. I especially want to shout out this promise to the young people who think it is boring to serve God: miracles are never boring!
I also pray that my story will touch the lives of professional athletes who have been distracted and separated from the reality of what success is. When the cameras’ flashing lights dim and go out, I cannot be a hero to the world and not be a hero...
Continue to Article
Monday, September 15, 2008
Wednesday night Service 6:30 p.m.
KIDS CHURCHYOUTH TEAM MEETINGS
Worship & Preaching in Sanctuary
Anyone wanting to join the Sunday Dinner crowd please see Sister Peggy to sign up to bring something. Next Sunday will be an Italian Meal.
3rd Sunday Night Youth Service
Come Expecting.
Adrian Varlackat Collinsville Harvest Center
Tuesday Sep. 16, 7:00 p.m.
Our families are very important and we recognize the need
for this special ministry. We thank the Lord for sending Bro. & Sis. Miller to Lead the Family Ministry. We plan to continue 5th Sun. Fellowship and in addition we have ask Bro. Miller
to minister on 4th Sun. night before the 5th Sun.. Please pray and support this ministry.
KIDS CHURCHYOUTH TEAM MEETINGS
Worship & Preaching in Sanctuary
Anyone wanting to join the Sunday Dinner crowd please see Sister Peggy to sign up to bring something. Next Sunday will be an Italian Meal.
3rd Sunday Night Youth Service
Come Expecting.
Adrian Varlackat Collinsville Harvest Center
Tuesday Sep. 16, 7:00 p.m.
Our families are very important and we recognize the need
for this special ministry. We thank the Lord for sending Bro. & Sis. Miller to Lead the Family Ministry. We plan to continue 5th Sun. Fellowship and in addition we have ask Bro. Miller
to minister on 4th Sun. night before the 5th Sun.. Please pray and support this ministry.
This Weeks Prayer
This week ask the Lord to expand your heart to love more. Pray that His love would permeate the Church, bring us together in one accord, and propel us to help the afflicted and bring God's kingdom to earth. Pray for those affected by recent tropical storms, floods and hurricanes. Ask Him how you can help. Continue to pray for Israel, our troops, the upcoming elections and the protection of our nation. 1 Peter 5:5; Phil. 2
Monday, September 8, 2008
This Weeks Prayer
This week ask the Lord to keep you steadfast in your faith. Thank Him for His faithfulness. Ask Him to deliver you from evil and to cause your life to bring Him glory. Pray for those affected by recent floods, tropical storms and hurricanes. Ask Him what you can do to be a blessing to them. Continue to pray for Israel, the Middle East and a soon end to the war in Iraq. Pray for God's will to be done in the upcoming presidential elections. Psalm 16:8; Acts 20:24
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Announcements Sep. 2, 2008
Wednesday night Service 6:30 p.m. KIDS CHURCH YOUTH TEAM MEETINGS Worship & Preaching in Sanctuary
Anyone wanting to join the Sunday Dinner crowd please see Sister Peggy to sign up to bring something. Next Sunday will be a Traditional Meal.
Mens Support Group Meeting Thur. Sep. 4 6:00 p.m. at Fellowship Christian Center in Rainsville
Mens Breakfast Sat. Sep. 6 at 8:00 a.m.
FAST AND PRAY AT COURT HOUSE SEPTEMBER 11,
Anyone wanting to join the Sunday Dinner crowd please see Sister Peggy to sign up to bring something. Next Sunday will be a Traditional Meal.
Mens Support Group Meeting Thur. Sep. 4 6:00 p.m. at Fellowship Christian Center in Rainsville
Mens Breakfast Sat. Sep. 6 at 8:00 a.m.
FAST AND PRAY AT COURT HOUSE SEPTEMBER 11,
Cry Out America
September 11, 2008
FAST YOUR LUNCH -- Unite with other Christians at your county courthouse -- Pray publicly for a new Christ Awakening in our generation -- Be a part of Cry Out America!
FAST YOUR LUNCH -- Unite with other Christians at your county courthouse -- Pray publicly for a new Christ Awakening in our generation -- Be a part of Cry Out America!
Monday, September 1, 2008
This Weeks Prayer
This week take your prayer list before the Lord and ask Him to show you His perspective in all that concerns you. Pray for His will in every situation you face. Continue to pray His will over the upcoming elections. Pray that the nation will turn back to God, see things from His perspective and elect the one whose agenda most lines up with the Word of God. Continue to pray for the protection of Israel, the war in Iraq, and those affected by recent storms and floods. 2 Chron. 20:7-10
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