Communion with God “Prayer”

John  14:13-14

 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,

that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

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Is it true that God has given us a blank check to ask anything of Him just as one might ask a genie in a fairy tale? Some may misunderstand this to be the case, but I John 5:14 qualifies what He will grant: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." Real prayer is communion with God, and what is necessary for communion are common thoughts between His mind and ours.

What we need is for Him to fill our minds and hearts with His thoughts. Then His desires will become our desires flowing back to Him in the form of prayer. James 4:3 confirms this: "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." If we ask amiss, we are certainly not asking according to His will, and we will not receive.


But does not Jesus say in John 16:23, "Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you"? He most assuredly does, but we still do not have a carte blanche. To ask God for anything in the name of Jesus Christ, it must be in keeping with what He is. To ask in Christ's name is to ask as though Christ Himself were asking. Therefore, we can only ask for what Christ Himself would ask. It is therefore necessary to set aside our own will and accept God's. Jesus says in John 8:29: "And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." If we do as Jesus did, we are sure to receive answers as He did. He adds in John 11:41-42: "Father, I thank you that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me."


We must come away with the realization that prayer is not dictating to God, but a humble and heartfelt expression of our attitude of dependency and need. Because of this, the one who truly prays is submissive to God's will, content with Him supplying his need according to the dictates of His sovereign pleasure. The result of this, combined with the infusion of God's attitudes and thoughts as we draw near to Him, will work to create us in His image.


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GBUA

Submitted by AMA

Partnering With God For Our Children

As a parent one of the most valuable things we can do for our children is to pray daily for them. There are numerous Bible promise books available to us today. We can use these as a guide in our petitions covering all the various areas of our childrens' lives.

The Bible gives us wisdom and instruction in how to raise our families. These directives are priceless, but oh how we need God's help and grace to implement them! Each child is unique, with his or her own set of needs, talents, strengths and weaknesses. We need the Holy Spirit's direction as we teach our offspring in the ways of the Lord. Starting each day on our knees asking for wisdom and guidance will make our lives more peaceful and our efforts in childrearing more fruitful. We can ask the Lord to give our children obedient and receptive spirits and a desire for God's will and His ways. We can ask for creative methods of communicating the Father's love to our families and His desire for them to walk in His paths.

We are so blessed and privileged to have a Lord who stands beside us in teaching our children. We partner with Him. We are not alone in this endeavor. We can come to Jesus throughout the day to ask for strength and wisdom for ourselves and for cooperation from our children. When the task seems daunting we can say turn to Isaiah 41:13 which states "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Written by Cathy Friberg

FORGIVENESS

When we were young, our parents tried to teach us how to behave. They told us when to say please and thank you, when to say we were sorry, and even how to forgive someone else. I remember when our boys were little, and one would accidentally bump into the other. The one being bumped into may not have understood what happened, and thought it was on purpose, so we encouraged the “bumper” to apologize to the one bumped, all while keeping the two at greater than arms length from each other. Well, sometimes that would bring protests from the bumper saying, “But I didn't mean to do it!” We had to stress to him that was all the more reason to apologize, even if you explain it was an accident. An apology wasn't necessarily an admission that it was on purpose. Then we had to go through explaining to the one bumped that yes, it could have been an accident and to accept the apology, to forgive the other one. Those were sometimes trying times, and all the while we were trying to keep them calm so it did not escalate into something worse, such as an all-out fight. It was a challenge to see how quickly we could work them through this thought process without rushing them to the end point while missing the whole meaning behind the words, “I'm sorry” and “I forgive you.”

Even as adults sometimes we have difficulty with saying “I'm sorry.” Sometimes it is because we do not even recognize that we have done something harmful, wrong or offensive. Even when we do recognize that, it can be hard to admit it, even to ourselves. We may try to hide it in hopes the other person won't find out. Or we may be trying to look good to others, and hope they didn't notice or weren't even aware of the offense. There may be fear on our part that the one(s) wronged will not believe us or will not accept our apology. We can ask God to help us with all these issues and fears, and move ahead to apologize and then to right the wrong as best we can.

“make every effort to live in peace with all men...” (Hebrews 12:14a)

As adults we also sometimes have difficulty with forgiveness. What about if someone really did something to us intentionally? How do we begin to forgive them, especially if they are not ready or able to say “I'm sorry”? First of all, forgiveness is a decision on our part, separate from the other person's part, over which we have no control. Forgiveness is also a process, where the person offering the forgiveness may be ready to do so first, but the actual benefits of that forgiveness cannot be fully realized until the other party is ready also, to accept responsibility for their words or actions and to apologize and even make amends. But we don't need to let that get in our way of being ready to offer the forgiveness. We can ask God for the strength and the desire to forgive, and we can pray for the person we need to learn to forgive, even before we feel we will ever be ready to forgive them. That alone can begin to soften our hearts.

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15

Sometimes the people we may have difficulty forgiving is ourselves. It is often easier to forgive others for the same thing than it is to forgive ourselves for it. If that is the case, there is a way to work through that also. First, if we are truly doing something still that we should not be doing, we can ask God to remove it from our lives and give us strength to stop. Second, we can be assured that God forgives us fully when we ask him to do so, and we can also ask for forgiveness from those we may have harmed, even if they are not ready to forgive. Just asking them for forgiveness is part of the healing. Third, we can ask God to remove any guilt or shame surrounding the issue so that any anxiety about it does not drive us back. Fourth, we can reach out to others who may be having the same issues and help them do these things too. Finally, remember that forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. We can decide to forgive ourselves over and over again until we feel truly forgiven. Ask God for help in all these areas – he will provide it!

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” Hebrews 8:12

Thank you Lord for giving your life as payment for my sins. Your forgiveness of all is sometimes unbelievably overwhelming. Help me dear Lord to realize where I have done wrong and to do what I can out of thankfulness for my own forgiveness to make it up to those I may have harmed. Your love and forgiveness are given freely to me. Help me to be like you, to forgive others, no matter what the offense may be. Amen.

Written by Jan A

Are you ready?

In my dream, I was in some sort of prison. It was a life prison. I couldn’t remember life before the prison or why any of us were there. We all the same prison clothes, shoes, and jacket. Everyday, someone was executed. It was inevitable that everyone would die in this prison. There was no way out. The executions were not doled out according to your crime or how long you had been there. They were random, like a lottery. I suppose you could’ve been there a day and your number would be up, or you could’ve been there a lifetime before it was your turn. Everybody would gather together in what seemed like a coliseum. The warden would stand in the center of the stage, and the number was drawn. If your number was drawn, you would go down to the center stage and become hooked up to an electric chair. Everybody would watch. There was no cheering, only silence.


In my dream, my number was drawn. I was sitting next to someone who was a good friend of mine, so I said good-bye to her. On the other side of me was an empty chair, and usually my closest friend was sitting there, but today he was late. I looked around for him so I could say good-bye, but could not find him. I felt more disheartened that he wasn’t there to say good-bye than I was about my ultimate doom that lay before me. I handed my jacket and shoes to the friend who was there, as was customary, and asked her to bid farewell to the missing one.


The closer I got to the stage, the more frightened I became. Then I fell to my knees and on my face. I began to pray right there in the middle of the stage. I was so focused on my anguish; I did not know what was going on around me. I was begging God to help me to get through the fear and the pain. I don’t know how long I was there, but it seemed like a long time. I was aware, however, that there was a lot of noise and lights flashing in the auditorium. I guess I began to assume that I hadn’t even noticed them hooking me up to the wires, and so here it was…my death. I was so exhausted. I’d never been through such intense praying before. Then I stopped. I noticed it was quiet around me and I became confused. As I struggled to catch my breath my mind was racing with questions. “Did it really happen? Why am I still alive? Maybe the lights and sounds really wasn’t the electrocution after all. That’s right! I was never strapped down. I’m still here in the middle of the stage.” I still had not looked up when I felt the warden put her hand on my shoulder. She asked me, “Are you ready?” Somehow I knew she was not asking me if I was ready to die. Though still confused about the question, I still knew to say “yes”. I started to look up, and two people came over to me to help me to my feet. I was so weak, I could hardly stand. I obviously was not dead, but still had to reassure myself as I examined my body. I was drenched with sweat. I looked back down at the floor and saw my puddle of tears. I though about the scripture that says Jesus was sweating drops of blood at the Garden of Gethsemane, but I did not see any blood mixed with my tears and sweat. I did, however, have sticky hands and face covered with snot, but it did not seem to bother the two men who were smiling at me. There was a low murmur over the crowd as the men led me out of the prison to where I had never been before as if I was free. I had never seen such a thing happen before in all the time I had been there, nor had I ever heard of it.

As I regained my strength, gasping for air every now and then from the hyperventilating affect that crying has on a person, we walked up and down the streets through crowds of people that they introduced me to as if I was some sort of celebrity. I was amazed how everyone seemed to know me. They kept saying “You’re the one.” “You’re the one he did it for.” “You are so loved!” Then without a word spoken, the two explained it to me and it finally all made sense. My friend, the one I could not find before the execution, had taken my place while I was on my face sobbing. That’s what the noise and the lights were. And the question that was asked, “Are you ready?” was really “Are you ready to accept what He’s already done for you?”

That was my dream, and I don’t remember anything else after that….

Written by Amie Spruiell

Our Treasure Chest

“Then Asa took all the silver and gold
left in the treasuries
of the house of the Lord and of the king’s house

and delivered them into the hands of the servants…”

I Kings15:18a

We each have a “treasure chest” that others don’t see,

a special gift from our Father, for you and for me


It’s not just a chest, but a “meeting place” too,
and I’m never quite sure of just what we’ll do.

Sometimes I come in, ragged, beaten and sore,
and I fall in His arms, as He sits on the floor.


Jesus rocks me and loves me, and says not a thing,
but I know He’s been waiting, with comfort to bring.


I see the treasures, all shiny and bright,
but nothing compares to His goodness and light.


I find strength in His arms, and hope in His love.
His peace gently abounds, on the wings of a dove.


He fills my heart, with all good things,
for these are the treasures of which He brings.


The chest is for me, and for each one of you, too,
filled with hope and with love, and with laughter… and glee!


As He gently adorns me, with more of Himself,
He remembers the chests up on the shelf.


He then smiles, and looks up to see,
His Father smiling back… at Him, and at me.


For this is His plan, His gift, His Son…
that through Him, all of mankind would be won


So, please, do hurry and open your chest,
for in our Savior alone can we find our rest.


Then, most assuredly, as we do…
we will be strengthened and compelled, to bring others in, too.


Where the riches of wisdom so richly abound,
there your Father, your Savior, and yourself will be found.


Written by Beverley A. Napier

The Next Step

A phone call from my husband at 9:30am was unusual but not surprising. His words, “I’ve been laid off,” rocked my world. He sounded calm and confident that the Lord had a plan for us. I was determined to be supportive and not panic, I was grateful for his hour drive home so that I could prepare myself emotionally and mentally. Four months later my mind was fighting fear and keeping a tight grip on God's promises in scriptures.

Good morning, Lord,

Thank You for this new day. Thank You for the cozy comfort of a roof over my head and the protection of four walls. I have been wondering what Your plans are for this family? Should we go or should we stay? Do we move or do we sell? We wouldn’t be the first to give up what we love and cherish for the unknown. But it’s only unknown to us – You know everything. Your plan is a good one (Jer 29:11), please help me to believe and trust that with my whole heart.


I am afraid of not doing what You want me to do. I feel a little self-conscious making changes that other people might think are misguided. But You have put it in my heart to…move, sell, work, change, wait, say yes, forgive, start over, step back, go forward. Please show me the next step and help me to keep my eyes on You and to not worry about the road ahead.



Proverbs 3:5-6 “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and make plain your path.” (AMP)



Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.” (AMP)



PS: Lord, I admit I am still afraid of what people will think of me. In these trying times I can see that my family is truly what is important. Please help me to let go of my pride, my guilt and my sense of failure.



Written by Mary M. Wilkins

My Heart Longs For Thee

There is no better place that I would rather be than in the presence of the Lord. I long to know Him more and I long to spend time at His feet.

There have been many times in my life I have had to walk through very challenging times. Let's face it; life can get just downright plain hard!! I have had disappointment, heartache, and discouraging times. But oh I am so thankful that not one of those times did I have to walk it alone. God was by my side to assure me I would get through every moment.
How sweet to know that God is ever present in our lifes. He cheers us on and tells us we can do all things through Him!

Just calling upon His name brings me great comfort. But oh how I long to be with Him and rest in Him. As it says in Psalms 63:1 the first part, resonates with my heart. "O God, You are my God, Early will I seek You, My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You." That is where I want to be!

Written by Sandy