Ministry Now

It occurred to me that what I assumed was the obvious response to the cable guy asking what I do and what is a parsonage, would be to invite him to church. As the words left my mouth, I realized I was wrong. As Christians, we are sent to be ambassadors of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5) I knew enough to ask permission to pray for this man covering pain with sarcasm. I could have prayed for him then and there. 

Our God is timeless and rich in mercy. For me and for him...missed opportunity not missed prayer. Praying still. 

James 3:18,

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Prayer Realized

When he saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them. They were troubled and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is large, but the workers are few. So ask the Lord who gives this harvest to send workers to harvest his crops.” (Matthew 9:36-38 GW)

Jesus had the disciples praying for The Lord to send workers for the Harvest. So really they were praying for what they themselves would become. What are you praying for? What am I praying for?

James 3:18,

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Pray

Is my default when I hear the state of my brother or sister's heart to pity to pray?

So admit your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you will be healed. Prayers offered by those who have God’s approval are effective. (James 5:16 GW)

So in obedience we speak with boldness and faith to each other and for each other to the One who is faithful to hear our prayer and whose arm is NOT to short to save!

James 3:18

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Pray

James 5:16 NLT

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

James 3:18
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Thank You, Lord!

This morning while I was praying I got to a place in our conversation where I was pouring over all of the things that I was presenting as requests to God. After praying for a few people, I paused, because I felt like the Lord said to pray this way, "Lord, thank you for healing so and so, thank you for providing for so and so, thank you for restoring so and so." None of these miracles have happened yet, but when I was done thanking God for all that He is going to do, I was encouraged and strengthened by all that the Lord and I had been imagining together.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

I usually attend the evening Ladies' Prayer at our church, but I heard that in this morning's meeting that is exactly how they were led to pray as well. I love how God affirms and weaves His tapestry together.

James 4:14,
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He is Here...He is Good.

Matthew 8:34  Everyone from the city went to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their territory.

After Jesus delivered two men who were possessed by demons, he commanded the demons to go into the herd of pigs. What a miracle! But fear settled in cause' they did not know the rest of the story. But we do.

John 10:11  "I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives his life for the sheep."

All of the statements of "Do not be afraid" are not so much commands but promises. If we will trust and yield and rest in the arms of The Almighty, His Presence and His Peace will overwhelm our struggles and our sighs.

I still sigh. In that prayer, He is still good.

James 4:14,
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