Despite the fact that I write this blog and I'm on Facebook, I'm really a one-on-one kind of guy. I much prefer having face to face conversations with people. I guess the raw conversations make me feel like the relationship is honest, like I'm being given the privilege of looking through a window to the person's soul; into the depth of their heart.
It's generally true that the closer we feel to someone, the more we are willing to open up with our true thoughts and feelings. Of course, the opposite is also true that the less we trust someone the more likely we'll hide our thoughts and feelings.
Often, I have asked someone if they have told God lately how they feel. It's interesting how many times they have said, "Not yet." I wonder why? Maybe it's because we think the things that matter to us are not important to God. Or maybe it's because we're too ashamed of some failure to bring it before a Holy God. When it comes right down to it, maybe we don't think God can handle our prayers?
Have you ever found yourself instinctively picking up the phone to call a friend for advice instead of God? For some reason it seems more natural to turn to people as a "first line of defense" than it is to turn to God. But I suspect God actually appreciates it when one of His children simply tells Him what's on their heart.
Have you ever considered the kind of situations Jesus thought were conducive for prayer?
Jesus prayed whenever He faced important decisions: (Luke 6:12-16)
Jesus prayed when He needed strength for His work. (Mark 1:33-39)
Jesus prayed when He was concerned about people He loved. (Luke 22:31)
Jesus prayed when He faced an insurmountable problem. (Luke 22:39-44)
Clearly, Jesus believed that prayer included everything He experienced in life, no exceptions. Our prayer lives will never become relevant or transformational until we include God in the every day details of our lives. The practice of telling God everything is not selfish preoccupation, but in fact is a sign that we have begun to grasp His nearness and His love.
And I mean everything!
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AsiaInternational Mission works alongside a broad group of indigenous Christian ministries in India focused on alleviating spiritual and physical poverty. We seek support from others who share our passion to empower change. If you would like to give a special gift to help us continue this work please click Here.
Here are some needed items for purchase:
Blankets--$7
Bibles--$5
20 lbs of Rice--$9
Fresh Water Wells--$500
New Saris for Widows--$20
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Prayer requests
Often, I have asked someone if they have told God lately how they feel. It's interesting how many times they have said, "Not yet." I wonder why? Maybe it's because we think the things that matter to us are not important to God. Or maybe it's because we're too ashamed of some failure to bring it before a Holy God. When it comes right down to it, maybe we don't think God can handle our prayers?
Have you ever found yourself instinctively picking up the phone to call a friend for advice instead of God? For some reason it seems more natural to turn to people as a "first line of defense" than it is to turn to God. But I suspect God actually appreciates it when one of His children simply tells Him what's on their heart.
Have you ever considered the kind of situations Jesus thought were conducive for prayer?
Jesus prayed whenever He faced important decisions: (Luke 6:12-16)
Jesus prayed when He needed strength for His work. (Mark 1:33-39)
Jesus prayed when He was concerned about people He loved. (Luke 22:31)
Jesus prayed when He faced an insurmountable problem. (Luke 22:39-44)
Clearly, Jesus believed that prayer included everything He experienced in life, no exceptions. Our prayer lives will never become relevant or transformational until we include God in the every day details of our lives. The practice of telling God everything is not selfish preoccupation, but in fact is a sign that we have begun to grasp His nearness and His love.
And I mean everything!
_________________________________________________________________________________
AsiaInternational Mission works alongside a broad group of indigenous Christian ministries in India focused on alleviating spiritual and physical poverty. We seek support from others who share our passion to empower change. If you would like to give a special gift to help us continue this work please click Here.
Here are some needed items for purchase:
Blankets--$7
Bibles--$5
20 lbs of Rice--$9
Fresh Water Wells--$500
New Saris for Widows--$20
AIM | PO Box 1597 | Stillwater, OK 74076 | 405.762.2471
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Prayer requests
Pray
for the ministries: Orphanages, Pastors, Churches, Lepers, and reaching the
lost in India.
Pray for each of the men and women who faithfully serve the
Lord on the front lines in India.
Pray for open
doors to plant more churches on the mission field.
Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated
