Another day in Colossians 4...
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Col 4:2-6 (ESV)
Today, we will look at the next phrase... 'being watchful in it with thanksgiving'. If we don't pray specifically, then how will we know our prayer has been answered? Sometimes we pray things that are so vague that there is no way to know if it has been answered or not. For example, if we say 'Lord, be with Sue this week' but we don't ask God to do anything specifically, then have we asked Him to do something different from what He has already promised to do? Did He not say in scriptures over and over that He is with us wherever we go? But if we ask God to be with Sue this week as she goes to the doctor so that she will know no matter what that God is giving her strength and endurance during a difficult time... then we have asked for something. That's where being 'watchful' comes in.
After we pray for something to happen, we need to be watching for the answers to come. If God answers the prayer but we don't see the answer, we keep asking for something that has already happened. If we ask 'random' prayers, we have no idea where to look for the answers but if we pray specifically, then we know what to look for.
And now for the other key word in the second phrase... thanksgiving. When you thank God for something you have been praying for? The first time you pray about it. If you wait until the prayer is answered, you may give up before the answer comes or you may not give God the credit that He deserves. So thank Him from the beginning and say something like "Lord, even though I don't see it yet with my physical eyes, I have faith that You are already taking care of this situation and I thank You for that.' By thanking God on the front end, you no longer have to carry the burden anymore because you have given it to Him to take care of. And when your hands are no longer carrying a burden, then they are free to use when you praise the Lord or serve your neighbor... Keep praying!
A blog produced by Rolling Fork Baptist Church designed to help Christians live out their faith in their homes, their work places, their schools, and their communities.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
CONTINUE STEADFASTLY IN PRAYER
Today, I want to return to these verses again and you will see why in a moment...
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Col 4:2-6 (ESV)
Look at the first two words of verse 2... "Continue steadfastly". Is your prayer life on a continual basis or is it off and on depending on how busy you are or what emotions you are going through? The apostle Paul says says to continue praying. In 1 Thessalonians 5, he says to 'pray without ceasing'. Not just praying when you get a bad report from the doctor. Not just praying when you need more money in your bank account. But continually.
The second word, 'steadfastly', means to "endure patiently. A steadfast person is one who is reliable, faithful, and true to the end. Paul said Jesus was a person of steadfastness (Rom. 15:3-4). The NAS translates steadfastness with “perseverance” (2 Thess. 1:4). James said that trials that test our faith produce steadfastness (1:3 KJV “patience”; NAS “endurance”; NIV “perseverance”).—Holman Bible Dictionary"
So as we pray each day, let it be continual throughout the day and not just occasionally. Let us be faithful in our prayers patiently waiting for the answer. Amen?
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Col 4:2-6 (ESV)
Look at the first two words of verse 2... "Continue steadfastly". Is your prayer life on a continual basis or is it off and on depending on how busy you are or what emotions you are going through? The apostle Paul says says to continue praying. In 1 Thessalonians 5, he says to 'pray without ceasing'. Not just praying when you get a bad report from the doctor. Not just praying when you need more money in your bank account. But continually.
The second word, 'steadfastly', means to "endure patiently. A steadfast person is one who is reliable, faithful, and true to the end. Paul said Jesus was a person of steadfastness (Rom. 15:3-4). The NAS translates steadfastness with “perseverance” (2 Thess. 1:4). James said that trials that test our faith produce steadfastness (1:3 KJV “patience”; NAS “endurance”; NIV “perseverance”).—Holman Bible Dictionary"
So as we pray each day, let it be continual throughout the day and not just occasionally. Let us be faithful in our prayers patiently waiting for the answer. Amen?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
"WHAT GETS WET AS IT DRIES?"
Last night, our son, Blake, asked us a riddle. "What gets wet as it dries?" Rhonda and I didn't guess the answer so he gave it to us... "a TOWEL". We laughed because it was a good riddle but this morning after my prayer time in my office, I thought about the connection between that towel and our church family (no, I am not asking you to figure out this riddle.). When you use a towel, you want one that is dry and clean. As you use the towel, the moisture is removed from you by the towel. And once the towel has done it's job, you feel better, right? (I know what you thinking right now... you are thinking "so what does that have to do with your church family?")
You wanted the towel because you were needing something to remove something (water in this case) from your body. If the towel was already wet, it would not dry you and if the towel was dirty, it would get you dirty as well.
Maybe there is something in your life, not "just on your body", that needs to be removed. If you have a church family, they can help share that burden with you. In fact, just as the towel did it's job by taking the water off your body, the church family does it's 'job' by taking some of the burden off you. If the church family wasn't ready to do it's job (like a dry towel), it couldn't help you either. And if the church family wasn't spiritually minded (clean), they couldn't and wouldn't help you. I like what my wife just told me. She says a towel can wrap around you to warm you up. And can a church family.
That's why it is so important that we pray for each other continually. That's why we should ask "how can I pray for you today?". God does not want to us to try and carry our own burdens without giving them to Him. Our church family helps us take those burdens off of our backs and lay them at the feet of Jesus. So, my friend, how can I pray for you?
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Gal 6:2 (ESV)
You wanted the towel because you were needing something to remove something (water in this case) from your body. If the towel was already wet, it would not dry you and if the towel was dirty, it would get you dirty as well.
Maybe there is something in your life, not "just on your body", that needs to be removed. If you have a church family, they can help share that burden with you. In fact, just as the towel did it's job by taking the water off your body, the church family does it's 'job' by taking some of the burden off you. If the church family wasn't ready to do it's job (like a dry towel), it couldn't help you either. And if the church family wasn't spiritually minded (clean), they couldn't and wouldn't help you. I like what my wife just told me. She says a towel can wrap around you to warm you up. And can a church family.
That's why it is so important that we pray for each other continually. That's why we should ask "how can I pray for you today?". God does not want to us to try and carry our own burdens without giving them to Him. Our church family helps us take those burdens off of our backs and lay them at the feet of Jesus. So, my friend, how can I pray for you?
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Gal 6:2 (ESV)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
WOULD YOU PRAY FOR US?
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Col 4:2-6 (ESV)
These verses really grabbed my attention this week. I know I have read them many times before but not like this time. As a pastor, I am experiencing a personal revival right now and have been for the last few weeks. As energizing as that is, I also see even more need for us to pray for each other, for our churches, our communities, our nation, and yes, our world.
As we pray, we need to be thankful to God for all that He is, has done, and has promised to do. We need to pray for all pastors, worship leaders, teachers, deacons, trustees, etc. We need to pray for all those who work in the church's nurseries and kitchens. We need to pray for those who type the bulletins and those who clean the floors. BECAUSE OUR CHURCHES NEED TO REACH MORE PEOPLE FOR JESUS CHRIST. WILL YOU PRAY FOR US?
These verses really grabbed my attention this week. I know I have read them many times before but not like this time. As a pastor, I am experiencing a personal revival right now and have been for the last few weeks. As energizing as that is, I also see even more need for us to pray for each other, for our churches, our communities, our nation, and yes, our world.
As we pray, we need to be thankful to God for all that He is, has done, and has promised to do. We need to pray for all pastors, worship leaders, teachers, deacons, trustees, etc. We need to pray for all those who work in the church's nurseries and kitchens. We need to pray for those who type the bulletins and those who clean the floors. BECAUSE OUR CHURCHES NEED TO REACH MORE PEOPLE FOR JESUS CHRIST. WILL YOU PRAY FOR US?
Monday, January 17, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
"HISTORY MAKERS AND WORLD SHAKERS"
I have been blessed to be included in a special prayer group and today was my first day with these men. When my friend, Dan, prayed, I was so overwhelmed with how beautiful and how powerful his prayer was. As we prayed together, I felt so much of God's presence in the room and then it happened... Dan used a phrase that grabbed my attention and would not let go... "Lord, make us history makers and world shakers...". WOW, what an awesome way to say, "Lord, help us do our part in fulfilling Your mission here on earth.".
So often, we pray things like "Lord, take care of me and give me what I want...". You might as well admit it because deep down you know that I am right. We are to ask God for our 'daily bread' but we are not to be the focus in all of our prayer. The best way to see your prayer answered is to pray for somebody else. And nothing is more important than praying for the salvation of someone else.
So, Lord, just as Dan requested... please help us become history makers and world shakers. Give us eyes that see what You see. Give us ears to hear what You hear. And give us boldness to act upon what we see and hear. Amen.
So often, we pray things like "Lord, take care of me and give me what I want...". You might as well admit it because deep down you know that I am right. We are to ask God for our 'daily bread' but we are not to be the focus in all of our prayer. The best way to see your prayer answered is to pray for somebody else. And nothing is more important than praying for the salvation of someone else.
So, Lord, just as Dan requested... please help us become history makers and world shakers. Give us eyes that see what You see. Give us ears to hear what You hear. And give us boldness to act upon what we see and hear. Amen.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world so that you can do what others claim cannot be done to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor. - A Franciscan Benediction
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world so that you can do what others claim cannot be done to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor. - A Franciscan Benediction
DAILY PRAYER GUIDE FOR A TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH
DAILY PRAYER GUIDE FOR A TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH
Sunday- that we would actively embrace Jesus in WORSHIP
Monday- that we would have a MISSIONARY MENTALITY each day that we live
Tuesday- that we would be on MISSION as we show Jesus through word and action
Wednesday- that we would be PRAYERFULLY DEPENDENT upon God
Thursday- that we would have VIBRANT LEADERSHIP in our church
Friday- that we would have strong RELATIONAL INTENTIONALITY in our church
Saturday- that we would connect people with people in COMMUNITY
Sunday- that we would actively embrace Jesus in WORSHIP
Monday- that we would have a MISSIONARY MENTALITY each day that we live
Tuesday- that we would be on MISSION as we show Jesus through word and action
Wednesday- that we would be PRAYERFULLY DEPENDENT upon God
Thursday- that we would have VIBRANT LEADERSHIP in our church
Friday- that we would have strong RELATIONAL INTENTIONALITY in our church
Saturday- that we would connect people with people in COMMUNITY
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
"FOLLOW THE LEADER"???
Remember playing 'follow the leader'? Whatever the leader did, you did. whatever the leader said, you said. and wherever the leader went, you went. So why is that so many 'followers of Jesus' are not doing what He did, are not going where He went, and are not saying what He said???? It's time to REALLY follow Him.
34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.
36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:34-36 (ESV)
34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.
36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:34-36 (ESV)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
NOW WHAT???
What should you do after you hear the message from God's Word? Ask yourself these very important questions...
1. Is there an example to follow?
2. Is there a sin to avoid/confess?
3. Is there a promise to claim?
4. Is there a prayer to repeat?
5. Is there a command to obey?
6. Is there a condition to meet?
7. Is there a verse to memorize?
8. Is there a mistake to avoid?
9. Is there a challenge to face?
10. Is there a principle to apply?
11. Is there a habit to change, start, or stop?
12. Is there an attitude to correct?
13 Is there a truth to believe?
1. Is there an example to follow?
2. Is there a sin to avoid/confess?
3. Is there a promise to claim?
4. Is there a prayer to repeat?
5. Is there a command to obey?
6. Is there a condition to meet?
7. Is there a verse to memorize?
8. Is there a mistake to avoid?
9. Is there a challenge to face?
10. Is there a principle to apply?
11. Is there a habit to change, start, or stop?
12. Is there an attitude to correct?
13 Is there a truth to believe?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
WHAT IS THE REAL REASON?
In John chapter six, look at what Jesus says...
26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
Jesus had just fed the 5,000 men plus the women and children. Now the crowd catches up with Him on the other side acting like He's their best friend. But Jesus knew their real motive, they wanted food, not guidance. They wanted something for the moment, not for eternity.
What about you? If you are going to church and following Jesus, what is the REAL reason that you are doing so? Is it because of who He IS or because of what He can DO for you? Never let the gifts become more important than the Giver.
And if you are not going to church and if you are not trying to follow Jesus, what is the REAL reason that you are holding back? Are you trying to find happiness in someone or something else? Are you like the people in the crowd who were only living for the moment with no eternity in mind? Whatever the reason, I pray that you will meet my Lord, Jesus and that you will see how much He loves you. Don't take this next statement lightly... HE DIED FOR YOU SO THAT HE COULD SPEND ETERNITY WITH YOU IN HEAVEN.
If you have never asked Jesus into your life to forgive you of any and everything that is separating you from God, would you do it today? Would you ask Jesus to guide you so that you can live a life that pleases God as your heavenly Father? If so, then just ask God by using a prayer something like this...
Lord, I know that Jesus died for me to pay the price for the wrong that I have done. And I know that you raised Him up so that He could rejoin You in heaven. Please forgive me for all of my sin and give me a fresh start so that I can be a part of Your family. Jesus, please come into my life and lead in the right way. Thank You for saving me. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer and meant it, guess what? You are now headed in the right direction. Your sins are gone and Jesus is ready to lead you towards a whole new life. Be sure to tell somebody today about your great news. Find a local church where you can learn more about Jesus and how we can become more like Him. And if you would, send me a note and let me know your great news as well. Just email me at brucenichols@rollingforkbaptistchurch.com and I will be sure to send you a note of encouragement. Amen?
26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
Jesus had just fed the 5,000 men plus the women and children. Now the crowd catches up with Him on the other side acting like He's their best friend. But Jesus knew their real motive, they wanted food, not guidance. They wanted something for the moment, not for eternity.
What about you? If you are going to church and following Jesus, what is the REAL reason that you are doing so? Is it because of who He IS or because of what He can DO for you? Never let the gifts become more important than the Giver.
And if you are not going to church and if you are not trying to follow Jesus, what is the REAL reason that you are holding back? Are you trying to find happiness in someone or something else? Are you like the people in the crowd who were only living for the moment with no eternity in mind? Whatever the reason, I pray that you will meet my Lord, Jesus and that you will see how much He loves you. Don't take this next statement lightly... HE DIED FOR YOU SO THAT HE COULD SPEND ETERNITY WITH YOU IN HEAVEN.
If you have never asked Jesus into your life to forgive you of any and everything that is separating you from God, would you do it today? Would you ask Jesus to guide you so that you can live a life that pleases God as your heavenly Father? If so, then just ask God by using a prayer something like this...
Lord, I know that Jesus died for me to pay the price for the wrong that I have done. And I know that you raised Him up so that He could rejoin You in heaven. Please forgive me for all of my sin and give me a fresh start so that I can be a part of Your family. Jesus, please come into my life and lead in the right way. Thank You for saving me. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer and meant it, guess what? You are now headed in the right direction. Your sins are gone and Jesus is ready to lead you towards a whole new life. Be sure to tell somebody today about your great news. Find a local church where you can learn more about Jesus and how we can become more like Him. And if you would, send me a note and let me know your great news as well. Just email me at brucenichols@rollingforkbaptistchurch.com and I will be sure to send you a note of encouragement. Amen?
Monday, January 3, 2011
NEW YEAR, NEW STRUCTURE, NEW VISION
Wow, what a time to be a Christian! And what a time to be a pastor! I am so thankful that God has allowed me to pastor the same church for 11 years so far. And the good news is that I am more excited about the future than I have ever been. With this new year starting, we are in the process of developing a new structure of leadership in our church that will help us live out our 'new' vision. It's not that we have replaced our vision from before, it's just that it is much clearer now what we are trying to do and how to accomplish it.
One of the big changes taking place sometime this year will be adding a new music minister. We are currently taking resumes and asking God to give us the right leader who take care of the music in our church. I have been doing it for years and between the music and the preaching, my voice is lasting as long as it used to. (Yes, I know I am getting older, thank you.) So I ask that you pray for us to find such a person to fill that position.
The theme this year is "PREPARING FOR HEAVEN IN 2011" reminding us that we must prepare ourselves to meet God so that we may hear Him say 'Well done, My good and faithful servant.". Are you ready to meet Him? I hope you are. If not, why ask Him to forgive you of your sins and help you live a life that pleases Him? You will be glad you did!
One of the big changes taking place sometime this year will be adding a new music minister. We are currently taking resumes and asking God to give us the right leader who take care of the music in our church. I have been doing it for years and between the music and the preaching, my voice is lasting as long as it used to. (Yes, I know I am getting older, thank you.) So I ask that you pray for us to find such a person to fill that position.
The theme this year is "PREPARING FOR HEAVEN IN 2011" reminding us that we must prepare ourselves to meet God so that we may hear Him say 'Well done, My good and faithful servant.". Are you ready to meet Him? I hope you are. If not, why ask Him to forgive you of your sins and help you live a life that pleases Him? You will be glad you did!
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