Category: PRAYER

Breakthrough and Follow-through

On By francesrogersIn Beyond a Mere Christianity, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER, QUOTES, TRUTH2 Comments

(Reprint from chapter in Beyond a mere Christianity)

So as not to miss any gods they might appease, the Athenians had set up an “unknown god” among the others. And so, Christianity today is seen as a religion among many others. The God of Christianity is “unknown” even to some who claim it as their faith. If we see little more than the surface of this way of life, we simply exist without the source and the power of this life. For the most part, we fail to differentiate between what other religions offer.

We must be sure that it is an offering; a supernatural offering between our God and us. It is a spiritual gift from the Lord God of Christianity, whom we know as Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of Jehovah, our Almighty God and Father, Creator of the heavens and the earth, and Redeemer of mankind.

Baptized as a child on a profession of faith, Christianity was basic but ineffective in my life until as an adult, I was drawn to read, then study; to write and teach what I was learning from the Bible. During those years, the Holy Spirit I was reading about in the Bible used God’s own words to transform my life. Through a new birth, with a new heart and spirit, my life was changed and has not been the same for decades. My books, articles, and poems attest to the revealed and fulfilled promises made to those He brings to Himself.

The best way I can describe this new way of life is with a parable I heard several years ago.

A prisoner was held captive for years, not knowing where he was. He existed in an obscure stronghold in a foreign country. His food and drink were barely enough to keep him alive. Since he knew no other way of life, he did not wish for anything else.

One day a stranger entered his cell and told him about life outside his captivity. He had come to deliver him. At first, the man could not vision anything beyond his own existence, and so refused to follow him out. Unknown to the prisoner, the stranger had broken through the outside barrier of the stronghold to save him. He was there, not to be refused; and so, stayed with him, living off the same fare by which the prisoner had been fed most of his life. At times he would open the cell door and lead him down a long dark hallway to show him the light outside. Not used to the light, the prisoner would soon move back to his comfortable cell.

With time, the stranger presented truths about the light, each day praying with him and leading him a little further out from his cell. Gradually getting used to the light, he was drawn more; then more, to it. One day, his eyes becoming used to the light, embraced the light, walking with the stranger into a new life outside himself.

As I contemplated writing this post, I was reminded of an old TV series Mission Impossible. A different mission presented to the team with every episode including the statement, “This is your mission if you choose to accept it.” The missions involved seemingly impossible situations providing an escape for captives.

I imagined what this would have looked like for Jesus before Creation. He and the Holy Spirit were the team, Jesus being the one who would suffer and sacrifice to bring His people out of their bondage. His mission from God the Father was to go down, go to, and live with the captives on earth; live in full obedience to God’s law, which no man had ever done, and provide a true understanding of the laws of His kingdom. He would be the light from heaven to people living in darkness, under oppression and sin. He would at the appointed time, be offered up as a means of appeasing the unknown God and ascend back to the Father, where He would live and reign for us as His people.  He would send His Spirit of light from heaven; through His Word bring us out of our captivity and guide us into all truth.

Jesus accepted and fulfilled His mission. His Holy Spirit is now fulfilling His mission in our hearts and lives as we continue to follow Jesus.

Gracious Father in heaven, we praise you for so loving us that you sent your Son to be a propitiation for our sins. Lord Jesus, we thank you for being the author and finisher of our faith; for breaking through and enabling us to follow through this darkness until we see you in your full glory. Holy Spirit, we know your presence and power of the life of Christ in us. Continue to reveal and fulfill all that the Father has willed for us as your people. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Fran

Image:Google

INVASION OF THE MIND

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER, TRUTH7 Comments

‘As a man thinks in his own heart, so is he.’ Pro. 23:7

To counteract the entrance of millions of illegal immigrants into the US, President Trump signed orders to send 1500 troops to secure the southern border.

The American people have suffered in different ways from those of discontent who have come here illegally.

Without upholding the laws set for all people a nation cannot stand.

Such conditions are an analogy for what I call “Invasion of the Mind.”.

This invasion shapes our character and the persons we become.

Our Senses and Our Devices

Our God-given senses are the means whereby we watch and listen to what is available.

In this century, the invasion has become even more detrimental. The media is a common influence coupled with our devices to shove all things into the secret places of our minds and hearts – shaping individuals, families, neighborhoods, cities, states, countries, and the world. We are more connected – nations to nations – than ever before.

Many children are allowed to watch and listen to anything they choose without knowing how they will be affected. And when they come to a point in life where their choices have produced a negative outcome, they are unable to accept correction.

They are happy with their own choices and do not understand why others cannot be happy with them.

For centuries, the world and its atmosphere has been invaded with such images and words that has changed the overall landscape and the appearance of nations that have become more and more divided, from each other, even as within.

Inner Transformation

With the knowledge of what is happening all over the world, we are continually receiving data and adding to the data in our own way to the files of our knowledge base. 

Our culture is continually changing by the invasion that continues.

What is the answer to this dilemma that seems unstoppable? 

Restoration

We must restore the ramparts that have been torn down.

We must consider how we are personally susceptible to this invasion, agree that we have been experiencing this phenomenon, and admit this as a need to be addressed.

We, as Christians at least, must appeal to our heavenly Father to reveal His Commander-in-Chief to us, our Lord Jesus Christ – to whom He has given all authority and power. In His name, we pray for them to send the Holy Spirit and His Sword – His powerful Word to guard our minds, our senses, our knowledge of Him, His truth, and His plans for us. We must, by His mighty power, take captive our thoughts in obedience before Him. (2 Cor. 10:5)

We must gird up our minds and examine our thoughts in relation to His Word.

This is only an alien country for God’s children. We are blessed to be a citizen while we still have the freedom to know from His Word the protection and promises for the life He has planned for us, but we are here in a holding pattern, in preparation for that eternal country that is promised to us for eternal life.

God’s Words are sentinels, standing guard on the wall of our minds as watchmen against the enemy’s entrance from all borders.

Submitting to His Guarding and Girding our Minds

To know His plans for us, we must admit our need for guarding and girding our minds, submit our minds to Him and commit to the direction of His Spirit and Word.,

He appeals to us by His great mercies to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. (Rom. 12:1-2)

Our bodies are the housing for all He created by which He would reveal Himself – through our faculties He speaks to us by His Word and in the power of His Spirit.

They are effective to do all in us that He wants to do – creating in us the image of His Son who is the express image of our heavenly Father.

Is anything I am saying foreign to you? If so, please take the Bible in your hands and read as if you have never read it. Ask our Father for His Holy Spirit to make His Word your guard for your mind and your life – and your soul that is eternal.

Guard your mind in everything you see and hear, touch and handle.

Ask these questions of every word and image. Good or bad, they will find a place in your heart and take over your life.

Is this precious to our Father, from His mind and heart to mine to draw me closer to Him?

Is this from Him to keep the world’s thinking from entering?

Is this good for me and for those I love?

Will this enable me to love Him and those who love me?

Will this bring unity in my thinking with His and my family?

Will these thoughts be those He wants me to share with others?

Will these thoughts, images, and sounds mold me into His image and prepare me for His eternal glory?

Praise Him that He knows where we are. He knows our thoughts and the power of His Spirit and words that conquer, arrest, and remove those invading thoughts and images and enable us to live joyfully with Him.

Pray for His Spirit of Truth to guide you into all truth, for conviction of sin for how you have opened your mind to illegal thoughts, and His goodness will bring you to repentance, reconciliation, renewal, and blessed fellowship with Him. Through you He will reveal the power of His presence and truth to others.

Gracious Father, we are desperate children, captive to the world’s thinking, its devices, its ideologies. We need your resources, your power, your orders for our protection from those who would remove your grace and truth that protect us. Restore your walls, your Words, your standards, and bring to fruition the life you planned for us through Christ our Lord. Reveal Christ, your Son, as the means for our liberty from those who enter to spy out and destroy the freedom you have given us in Him. Bring the power of your church – the body of Christ — to unity in Him to set the standards you have placed upon us, and through us to the world. This is our only means to experience the love, joy, and peace you give us. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Images: Pixabay

Man Procrastinates ~ GOD PROLIFERATES

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER4 Comments

Recently I have added the name of a young man to my Prayer Roster.  Joseph is a brilliant artist; one I hope the Lord will use in the ministry of His Kingdom.

He needs the power of the Lord’s Spirit within him to order and manage his life.

I relate well to this msn. My prayers for him include prayers for myself, especially in this latter stage of my life.

He, in his 30’s, and I in my 80’s, have much in common.

We have been given gifts from our heavenly Father, and we are both struggling to move forward with these gifts.

Beyond the fact that we see ourselves in a stronghold of the flesh, our procrastination keeps us bound to ourselves and limits the talents we are given – kept from God and hidden from others.

In Our Flesh

Our means of deliverance begins with understanding where we are in the flesh.

The apostle Paul speaks of man as ‘spirit, soul, and body.’ (1 Thess. 5:23)

The purpose of this post is not to start another book (which I might never finish) but to speak briefly about the work God calls us to and the work that He does in and through us.

Tendency to our Feelings

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

These words from Simon Peter to the believers of his day are as true today as when he wrote them.  He compares two natures in the beginning of his letter. Anyone who meditates on these words will come away with a new perspective of where we are, who we are, and why we are here in this present world.

Oppression, Suppression, and Depression

Born into this world of ‘corruption’ we are always under a state of oppression.

Without understanding this, and turning to God’s Word for the knowledge of ‘life and godliness’ (our only means for a fruitful life in this state) we suppress the truth that He gives us in HIs Word.

Without the truth revealed by God in His Word,
we have nothing to hope in, stand on,
or live for in this world.

We search, reach for, and hold on to whatever is close and, in the end, have nothing substantial or relative to true life – nothing of godliness, which is the life God produces within us.

Depression manifests itself in different forms seen from one level to another in different stages.

Depression becomes the stronghold of our spirit, soul, and body, keeping us immobile.

Depression keeps us down, captivated by self, to obey the flesh in its weakness in all areas of life.

Depression leaves us deflated with no room for what is good or godly.

Where is our Hope?

As ‘spirit, soul, and body’ I must relinquish all that I am to God, our heavenly Father, who, with His Son and Spirit gave me life through the first man “Adam” through all generations.

I must see and know the One whose ‘divine power’ gives us ‘all things pertaining to life and godliness.’

I must admit my weakness and my need for His wisdom and strength.

I must submit all I am to Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, who has brought us to our Father through His death and resurrection to receive the power of His life in us.

I must commit to His direction by His Holy Spirt through His Word.

From the stronghold of oppression, suppression, depression, and procrastination, He, by the penetration of His Word, permeates our minds with His truth, and perpetuates His love and the life of Christ in us and through us.

As ‘partakers of His divine nature’ He fills us, lifts us, moves us, keeps us on the right path. In our struggles, He reminds us of His ‘exceedingly great and precious promises.’

He inhabits our praises, so that we speak to Him of His truth, never losing sight of Him and knowing the power of His presence with us. He, with the gifts He has given us, works in and through us to accomplish all He wants to do — for His glory and our joy in Him.

.Gracious and loving Father, We praise you that you have made us your children, not by anything we could do, but by your planning and covenant made with your Son before the creation of anything. How blessed we are to know you and to live in fellowship with you and your eternal family. I praise you that you have called us and given us the gift of eternal life and individual gifts through which you are working to reveal the power of your presence in the world today. In Jesus’ name I pray, I thank you, and praise you. Amen

Image: Google

A SEASON OF GOD’S GRACE

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, HUMILITY, PRAYER, TRUTH5 Comments

In many ways we Americans are in a new season.

Dead leaves are proof of an ending of the old and the anticipation of a new season of Nature.

If we consider where we have been as a nation recently, we must believe that our God and Father has given us a reprieve.

“Oh, that You would rend the heavens!
That You would come down!
That the mountains might shake at Your presence—

To make Your name known to Your adversaries,
That the nations may tremble at Your presence!
Isa. 64:1-2

He has answered prayers for our concerns about the season we have been experiencing –

With His judgment looming over us, He has truly shown us His mercy in not cosuming us.

As our pastor has reminded us: we cannot sit back and boast of anything good any man has done.

We cannot rest on our laurels, any greatness of any nation or of any man. Any good in this country, from the beginning, has been by the mighty hand of God, our Father and Creator.

“His greatness is unsearchable.”
Ps. 145:3

Now we have the opportunity to return to our roots, for us to stand in the light of His grace, and move forward with the truth while we still have the freedom to proclaim His name among the nations.

Four years is a short time, with no guarantee. Except for our diligence to obedience and His presence with us, the enemy will steal His blessings from us.

Our hope is based on His promises as we trust Him, repent from our individual seasons of rebellion to His Word, live in praise, prayer, and proclamation of His truth with each other and those outside the church.

We must gather as His people during these uncertain times to multiply our ranks, to pray for unity through the sound preaching and attendance of God’s Word and worship. 

We must be restored by His Spirit to reverence and awe – as His children to live in humility and wonder of our God and Father. .

He makes the nations tremble – But, In His loving kindness and tender mercies, He opens His heart and love to us.

If you understand what He has been doing in recent events, return as His child to the body of Christ –to the Church where He dwells with His people – in individual hearts and as His family.

We must live in the fellowship and joy of our Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit as one people, to prove to the world the power of his presence among us.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who, in Christ, Has blessed us
with every spiritual blessing
in heavenly places.”
Eph. 1:3

When this blessed season is done and we face another onslaught from the enemy, we will be prepared, equipped, ready, and victorious, rejoicing with Him our victor, our Lord and King — His triumph in and through us. — now and forever.

 “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 Pet. 2:9

 “See then that you walk circumspectly,
not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, 
because the days are evil.”
Eph. 5:15-16

In Praise to our Father, His Son our Lord, and His Holy Spirit.
Love and blessings.
Fran

Image:Pixabay

Weighing, Measuring and Filtering Our Words

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER, Uncategorized1 Comment

(A reblog from 2017 as new views has been recorded.)

This is a side note from our last post The Voice of Contentment, as we considered the voices that we hear.

Somewhere in the past, I remember hearing or reading that God gives all people a certain number of words for each life. If this was true, many would have nothing to say in their latter years. 🙂

While this statement is not a Biblical reference, it might be something to think about.

There are Biblical references that speak of our voices and our words. There is much written in the Bible about our tongues, our lips, our mouths and the intentions of the heart in reference to the words we speak. These are all related, but let’s look basically at the words that come from the mind, the heart and the mouth when we speak to others. What is the source of what we, as God’s people, speak?

And what effect do our words have on others?

Joseph spoke to his brothers about his dreams. They “hated him for his dreams and his words.” Genesis 31:8

God gave words to Moses and Aaron to speak to the people. Exodus 10:6-7
Moses spoke the words of the ten commandments to the people. Exodus 24:3;
Moses was instructed to speak words of warning and promises. Deuteronomy 1:1
Joshua spoke to the people “the words of the Lord.” Joshua 3:9

 WEIGHING OUR WORDS

When we speak, let us learn to ask four questions:

  1. Would the words I speak be what I would want to hear?
  2. Would they be a burden on the person to whom I speak?
  3. Are my words necessary?
  4. Would my words be to the glory of God?

Jesus came to speak “the words by which all men will be judged.” (John 12:48) He is the only one who has the authority to judge.

“And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.” Luke 11:46

“But ‘the burden of the Lord’ you shall mention no more, for the burden is every man’s own word, and you pervert the words of the living God, the Lord of hosts, our God.” Jeremiah 23:36

“His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.” Psalm 55:2

Words can put a burden on others, even to “torment,” as in Job’s case (Job 19:2)
The Psalmist speaks of “words of trouble and deceit” (Psalm 36:3); “words that devour” (Psalm 52:4); “words of hate (Psalm 109:3) “bitter words like arrows”  (Psalm 64:3); “arrogant words” (Psalm 94:4); “false words” (2 Peter 2:3).

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2

“Charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.” 2 Timothy 2:14

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18

MEASURING OUR WORDS

“Jesus, whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.” John 3:34

“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:7

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Romans 12:3

“Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” Proverbs 10:19

“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” Proverb 17:27

“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:37

FILTERING OUR WORDS

If after weighing what we say, and measuring what we speak, we can know that our words will be edifying to those to whom we speak, and to build up the church as a whole by using God’s Word as a filter. If we listened and read more of His Word we would be less likely to be speaking our own words. We can be sure our words will glorify our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ if we encourage ourselves in His Word. Jerry Bridges in his book, The Discipline of Grace, says that he has to preach the gospel to himself everyday.

“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6); gracious words, pure, like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Proverbs 15:26; 16:24).

His words are sweet (Psalm 119:103); they give light (119:130). We stand in awe of his words (119:147); there is “hope in His words” (119:147); “words of insight and words of the wise” (Proverbs 1:2, 6) they are “holy words” (Jeremiah 23:9)

“The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd.” Ecclesiastes 12:11

We are to hold fast His words that are hidden in our heart, that He will put in our mouth (Psalm 119:11, Proverbs 4:4; Isaiah 51:16)

What did Jesus’ disciples say about His words?

The people “marveled at the gracious words that came from His mouth” (Luke 4:22) Peter said He had “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Paul spoke of “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness in 1 Timothy 6:3; “being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed” (1 Timothy 4:6).

What did Jesus say about His words?

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 23:35

“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38

“The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.” John 12;48

The early church was encouraged by “the gospel, not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” 1 Corinthians 1:17
“not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” 1 Corinthians 2:4
“in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13

Do we consider our words as governed by the Spirit of Christ? Let us make our words a matter of importance for the Father’s kingdom and the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our words should be filtered through His Word and prayer in the power of the Holy Spirit. When we speak to others of Christ, the Holy Spirit must be working in their hearts for them to understand the words we speak.

In all our conversations our words should be that which encourages and strengthens our brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Let us not waste a moment of His precious time given us here, to share His glory. We can be channels and purveyors “holding forth the word of life” with words that give life, using every opportunity as builders with God of His kingdom on earth. We need not be reticent but with prayer and preparation through His Word anticipate that He will fill up our days with His goodness, His grace and love, laying up treasures in heaven as we spread the joy and contentment that is ours in Christ. We can weigh, measure and filter what our heavenly Father has given us in Christ, and with the abundance share the overflow as he continues to fill us with His fulness.

Dear Father  let these prayers from the Psalmist be our prayers
today and everyday.
“Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,
O Lord God of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,
O God of Israel.”
Psalm 69:6
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

image

Waiting is Not a Game

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, MUSIC, PRAYER2 Comments

(How well our  heavenly Father  teaches us this truth as we experience the trials of this life.
The original article with this title (below) was written while we were waiting for Jerry’s healing after the amputation of his leg (2006).
(It took 4 1/2 years and a third surgery before we had any hope of his using a prosthesis with even a walker.
~~~~~~~~~~
October 24, 2007

Today is exactly a year since Jerry’s amputation.  He has been three weeks in rehab, wearing the prosthesis a couple of hours a day, more just for sitting and getting used to it, a few minutes of exercise to put weight on it, and a few minutes walking on it with a walker.  Because of soreness he has not worn it the last two days.  Monday the prosthetist put in a small pad to help buffer the sore area.  It was feeling better, so he wore the prosthesis for about forty-five minutes this afternoon.  When he took it off, his leg was bleeding.  We have to wait again for healing before he can try the prosthesis again.

Sixty-eight years takes its toll on those who have not learned how to wait.  By this time most think that they have arrived at the point of having all things under their control, getting things done when they want them done, settling down to the golden years, and being happy in all their progress.

This is not our case, but we can attest to something better.

How do you explain to those who are impatient that waiting is good for God’s people?  Whether it is for a response to a letter, the arrival of a guest, a special event, for our children to grow up, or healing, the process of waiting is a part of life.  True waiting is the essence of hope, and a means to the end of obtaining contentment in this life as we wait for glory.

Waiting is a natural trait for God, but not for man.  Impatience was born in the Garden of Eden, and plays itself out in every person’s life, from the time of birth until death; except as we are given new hearts that know how to wait.  We learn from experiences that as we wait we receive blessings we did not expect.

Why do we not want a baby to be born before its full term? It will not be fully developed, or, not live at all.  Why do we not get a diploma until we have finished the required courses?  Why do we not marry at the age of eight?  Why do we not eat green bananas?  Waiting is not only necessary for life, but, the means to attaining true life.  It is not something we play at, or think about when we want to.  It is not a game, but a reality, that when practiced enough will become the beauty of life, without wanting to be the winner.

Waiting is serious business, in the same family as endurance, the big brother of patience.

Waiting is the will of God for us, and serves His purposes. “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Hebrews 10:36)

Waiting gives Him time to accomplish His work in us to His glory. God waits for the precious fruit of His husbandry, and so must we. (James 5:17)

Hope, and quietly waiting for the salvation of the Lord is synonymous with patience, the characteristic of the saints mentioned in the Book of Revelation. (13:10, 14:12)

 “I had fainted, unless I had believed
to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart;
wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 27:13-14

Waiting strengthens our faith, letting patience have its perfect work, that we may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:4)

I praise the Father for teaching me to wait. It comes more naturally now.  He is waiting with us, teaching us, loving us through it all.  I thank Him for all of you who have waited with us. I pray for more patience, more strength, more faith, more grace for us all—for His glory and our joy.

“The LORD is good to them that wait for Him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

Fran 10/07
(Excerpt from In Prayer and In Touch~ Articles and Stories of Faith)
Music:  Wait on the Lord Psalm 27:14 
They That Wait Upon the Lord Isaiah 40:31

Grazing in the Right Pasture

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER4 Comments

Like sheep, my thoughts often wander. When the Lord gets my attention, I realize that I have left the green pastures to dwell on what is going on around me. My thoughts take me wherever they want to go. They must be trained by the Shepherd, so that I stay close to Him.

The apostle Paul tells us, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

When the things of the world come to mind I am easily led into the barren fields among the rocks and thistles. In the cares and distractions of this world, I forget that my thoughts should be on that which is true, honest, just and pure, that which is lovely, of good report, of virtue and worthy of praise.

When my thoughts dwell on what I hear of the world, I am negating the Word of God, nurturing the seeds of the tares and wasting time that I could be sharing the good news of God’s grace.

Our Lord teaches us to remember whose we are. Once we were sheep without a shepherd going our own way, led by the god of this world through a barren wilderness, but now are returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.

Jesus, our Lord, has prepared green pastures and still waters; He restores my soul and leads me in the paths of righteousness.

Yes, we pray for our enemies and those who despitefully use us, but we don’t take up their lament, captive to the lost region in this world. Instead, we bring our thoughts captive to Christ so that we may speak the truth of God’s Word in love and compassion to those who live in this wilderness. This is our weapon against the stronghold in which the enemy would keep us bound. We focus on and praise our Lord for His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men (Psalm 107:8).

The less we speak of what is happening in the world, the opinions and arguments ~ its grazing habits ~ the more we experience the obedience and happiness in our own pastures. Through our witness of Him, He draws others to Himself.

Gracious Father, we praise you that you have bought us, sought us, caught us, and brought us to Christ and taught us how to live as your children, your sheep in your pastures. Let us proclaim the legacy of your kingdom, so that you may draw more of your sheep to Christ where you have every good thing prepared for us. In Jesus’ name we pray and praise you. Amen.

Related Article: A Sheep’s View

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Jesus Prays for His Disciples

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYER, TRUTH7 Comments

“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world,
but for those whom you have given me. They are yours.
All mine are yours, and yours are mine.
And I am glorified in them.”
Jn. 17:10-11

In our continued study of An Excavation of John 17, we find Jesus’ prayer to the heavenly Father. Before His crucifixion, He gave His disciples a clear understanding of His union with the Father “before the world was” and His purpose for being here. He did not pray for everybody.

“And she will bring forth a Son,
and you shall call His name Jesus, 
for He will save His people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21

It is clear in Jesus’ prayer who was included and who was excluded. 
He said, “I pray for them” – identified in the first three verses and throughout His prayer as “those” whom the Father had given Him. The purpose for the Father giving the men to Jesus, His Son, is so He would give them “eternal life.” (vs. 2)

Jesus specifically states, “I do not pray for the world.

Jesus did not give the Father’s Word and eternal life to the world but only to those men given to Him. They heard and believed. They received this truth from Him, knowing “the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent.” (vs. 3)

“I have given them Your word; 
and the world has hated them
because they are not of the world,
 just as I am not of the world.” (vs. 14)

“I do not pray for these alone,
but also for those who will believe in Me
through their word;” (vs. 20)

We find many references to His prayers. Few others were heard and recorded by His disciples, His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the brief statement at Lazarus’ resurrection are two others.

His purpose for being here was to set up His kingdom and prepare His people for eternity with Him and His Father. Through Him we who once were disobedient, living in and of the world, have become a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. We are a special people to Him, to proclaim the praises of Him who brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light — the people of God.” 1 Pet. 2:9-10

CHOSEN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD

“ just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,” (Eph. 1:4-5) 

BEFORE TIME BEGAN

“who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,” 2 Tim.1:9

There are many more references that teach the difference in God’s people and the world. (Psalm 1)

Jesus said, “They are yours.” He added, “Mine are yours and yours are mine.” As the Father and Son were one, having the same glory before the creation, the Father has given all to the Son in heaven and on earth. Jesus is glorified in His followers and will “bring many sons to glory with Him” in heaven. (Heb. 2:10-11)

If you believe and follow the humble Lamb of God, you can rejoice that Jesus prayed for you. He continues as our High Priest to pray for us at the right hand of the Father in heaven. We have the same privilege Jesus gave His disciples in The Lord’s Prayer. Many people quote this prayer without understanding its meaning between the Father and His children — those who are born of the Spirit as disciples of His Son. We belong to Christ and are one with Him and the Father.

Heavenly Father, we are blessed to know that you chose a people for yourself. We praise you for revealing Jesus to us, giving us eternal life in Him, giving us a new heart and a new spirit – bringing us to the light and writing on our hearts the truth of your Word. Let us proclaim your name and your kingdom of light in a dark world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Fran

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A Sinner’s Prayer

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GRACE, MUSIC, PRAYER7 Comments

Written in 2014 at the age of 75, recorded in 2021 at the age of 82, this song expresses the powerful work of God through many years to bring me into fellowship with Him as our Father, His Son, and His Holy Spirit. There is truly a joy and wonder of His life at work in us.

Onward and Upward

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, PRAYERLeave a comment

(Repost from 2017 following Sunday’s sermon. Click on reference for audio and video.  Phil. 3:12-16

Often I think of life as a simple “spiral.”
It circles, and as it turns, advances a little at the time.

Nothing is required for us to move in a downward spiral.
A natural downward spiral begins when we are born into this world. Our minds are set on things of this world, which draw us and drag us down. We are unable, of our own volition, to change our direction. Life never stays the same, and nature itself, by its gravity, keeps pulling us to its depths and the impending death that waits for us.

Those who are born into a culture that teaches Biblical principles may hear of God’s grace and His means of changing our direction, but we are at a loss to apply these principles in our own power.

The Bible teaches us that the direction of our lives changes when we are reborn of the work of God’s Spirit in our heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26).   God gives us a new life through His Son, Jesus Christ, and by the power of His Spirit within us, turns us from the power of the downward spiral. By His kindness, He brings us in repentance and faith to Himself (Acts 20:21; Romans 2:4). He continues through this life to bring us onward and upward, and to eternity with Him.

There is much more we could say in this short treatise about life here on earth, including sin and evil in this world, which is the reason for the downward spiral. The world has been in this downward deathly movement since the beginning of time, when our first parents turned from their Creator to make and take their own lives, and ours, in a different direction than His.

Are you aware of how you are turning, which way your life is going? Do you want to know this onward and upward movement in your life? Do you want to know the power of God’s Spirit working in you to bring you to Himself? No one can do an about-face, turning themselves. Many have tried but to no avail. It requires the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit working through our spirit to give us a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26) This requires a new birth (John 3:3) which only He can give (John 1:12-13; 1 Peter 1:3). Regeneration, a new creation, and repentance is His spiritual work in us, and what a glorious experience to be turned and moving in the opposite direction from the world.

If you have yet to know this new life, I pray that you will reach for God’s Word, which He offers to you. Read the Holy Bible. If you have never read before, begin with the New Testament. Ask for His Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13); pray and pour out your heart to Him. He knows where you are and what you need. Read and pray until He, by His Spirit, turns you to repentance and faith as a new creature in Christ. He gave His life to deliver us from the present evil age (Galatians 1:3).

If you have never heard the good news of God’s changing our lives and our direction, and want to hear more I would be blessed to tell you more. You can send me a message on our CONTACT page. There is oh, so much more of this glorious upward spiral that is ours in Christ through whom we, as God’s children, live.

I will end this post by saying that your wedding day will not be the most wonderful day of your life. Neither will the birth of your children be the greatest experience you can know. There is nothing as wonderful as being born of the Spirit of God and living every day in Christ, in light of His promises and hope. It is the most uplifting experience of this life as He is preparing us for eternity with Him.

Gracious Father, how can we tell someone what it is like to know you and what life is like as your children? It is impossible to share the width, the depth and the height of your love. You must do the work in each of us. I pray that you would shine your light and the life of Christ through us, and by your Spirit, draw and birth others into your house and kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness,
who has shone in our hearts
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Cor. 4:6