Tuesday, December 31, 2013

#49 Tarrying One Hour

C. Peter Wagner shares more with us from his book, PRAYER SHIELD, telling us, "I was rolling along at about 22 minutes of prayer a day when I started researching prayer in 1987.

One of the early books I read was Larry Lea's Could You Not Tarry One Hour? (Creation House).


In it he makes such a persuasive case for praying one hour a day, I resolved I would set that as my goal.

Now, 3 or 4 years later, I can say I have left the 22 minutes behind; I am peaking more than 30 minutes most days and often more than 40.

But one hour? It is still a life goal, and I may make it some day. One hour is a long time for prayer!

I will never forget the first time I ever prayed for one hour. 

This was back in the 1970s when I was in my prayerless period.

I had been going to Korea from time to time to research church growth, and had become personal friends with Paul Yonggi Cho,

pastor of the Yoido Full Gospel Church, the world's largest congregation.

On one visit, Cho offered to take me to the famous Yoido Church Prayer Mountain.

Because I had never visited the prayer mountain, I jumped at the chance, looking forward to a personal tour.

When we arrived, I was wondering how the tour would begin.

But Cho, of all things, said, 'Now, let's pray!'

Pray? I preferred walking around and taking pictures of Prayer Mountain, but naturally I did not express my surprise.


Then he said, 'We don't have very much time. Let's pray his afternoon only for one hour!'

I wanted to be a good sport,  so I sat there on the floor of the huge chapel (Korean style) and started to pray.

I prayed a long time. Then I looked at my watch. I thought my watch had stopped! That was one of the longest hours I can remember spending. Time went faster when my wife was in labor!

But Larry Lea seemed to know I needed special help to extend my prayer time. He makes a suggestion (which I have since discovered has a long history in Christian tradition) of structuring our personal prayer times around the lord's Prayer.

This works well for me, for when you pray the Lord's Prayer, instead of simply saying the Lord's Prayer, you have a ready -made structure to cover everything you possibly need to pray about at one time.

So much for my mediocre personal prayer habits.

I am trying, and I know God will help me get better. But meanwhile, I still affirm that I have a first class prayer life because I add to my personal prayer the prayer of my intercessors.

I actually believe that the prayers of my intercessors are a real and vital part of my personal prayer life."


Today’s post -#49  Tarrying One Hour, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines.(pgs. 98-100) By Regal Books



Let’s pray:

   Father, when we realize the importance of our praying longer periods of time, we ask now for guidance to follow through with it.

   May we come to You as a little child would, and have faith in Your ability to help us, and to answer our requests in Your wisdom, way, and timing.

   It is to Your honor and glory, that we ask this today, for we are concerned that our prayer times are sufficient for what You desire to accomplish in and through us. 

In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen

Today’s Bible verse: Prov. 14:8a "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way."

Today’s quote: Bill Crowder – “The enormous complexities of our bodies reflect the genius and wisdom of our great Creator. The wonder of His design is more than breathtaking – it gives us countless reasons to worship Him!”

Some thoughts today: Since we've received the Holy Spirit, we're to walk out our salvation, knowing who we are in Christ Jesus. Let Him teach you how to be successful.

- Be careful what you choose to do, as it will tend to "make you something" in other's eyes (good or bad). Your life will have an effect on your local Body of Christ.

- Don't grieve the Holy Spirit. Be kind, forgiving, tenderhearted, and one who doesn't allow the day to pass before resolving any anger in your heart.

2nd- Thursday’s post:  #50  Discovering Intercession  Peter Wagner

4th-  Saturday's post:  Big Plans/Can God Direct This?  Christi M. Estes

5th-  Sunday's post:  There's Power in His Name  Dave Hathaway

7th- Tuesday's post:  #51  Personal Intercession is Biblical  C. Peter Wagner

A popular post:  Revelation in World Missions  K. P. Yohannan shares with us: "The front-line work of missions in Asia has been taken over almost completely by indigenous missionaries."


Winter wonder land.
   

AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!

Kindle $1.95


My book in paperback




Sunday, December 29, 2013

Unlocking Inspiration (Wounded Warrior Story)

The fall of 2010 was challenging for J.R. He was playing a small but demanding role on the soap opera All My Children, speaking at hospitals, VFW halls, schools, anywhere he could to help people overcome their struggles, as he had.
But the fruits of his labor were hard to see. Sometimes he wondered if he was making any impact in a world full of turmoil. 

Stopping for gas at the end of another long day, he wanted to get home, curl up with his dog, Romeo, and watch Monday Night Football.

Featured Product

Mysterious Ways Magazine

Be inspired by everyday miracles when you claim your FREE ISSUE of Mysterious Waysmagazine today!
As he filled the tank he heard a click. He tried the car door. Locked. Peering inside, he saw Romeo leaning on the lock button.

The keys dangled from the ignition. Great. Just what he needed.
Attempts to get Romeo to unlock the door failed. So J.R. borrowed a phone book and started dialing locksmiths. The third said he’d be right over.
The locksmith looked like he’d had a hard day too. But when he saw J.R., his face lit up. 'I know you!' the man said.
A story poured out of him. He and his wife were having problems. One crisis after another tore at their marriage. As much as they loved each other, divorce seemed inevitable. 

Why is he telling me this? J.R. wondered.
The man spoke about a video he and his wife had seen. The story of a soldier who’d triumphed over terrible burns caused by a roadside bomb in Iraq. J.R.’s story. 

It had inspired them to recommit to their marriage and face their struggles anew.
J.R. was awestruck. The man’s story was an answer to the question that had so troubled him.
The man went to get his tools. J.R. heard another click. The doors!

Romeo had managed to unlock them.
“I guess you didn’t need me after all,” the locksmith said, with a chuckle.
But he did. More than the locksmith could ever know.

Unlocking Inspiration    As appeared in 

J.R. Martinez, a badly burned soldier, learns in an unlikely way the impact he's had on a stranger.
By Adam Hunter, New York, New York





  • The following was taken from Jill Savage's post:
    Posted: 09 Dec 2013 03:47 AM PST

    Carla Link and her husband, Joey have worked with an international parenting ministry for over 20 years. 

    carlalinkphotoJoey is a pastor and Carla’s degree is in social work. Together they bring a unique blend of practical teaching to parents. 

    Their book, Why Can’t I Get My Kids to Behave? is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and at www.parentingmadepractical.com,  where you can find out more about the Link’s teaching ministry.

    Let’s pray:


       Father, when we are discouraged, we ask for You to find a way, as You did for J. R., to help us be encouraged.

       We will look to Your soothing words, which build up our faith to believe that we are making a difference in what we do for the Kingdom.

       As we find ways to serve the Kingdom in our local congregations, it is our desire first of all, to please You. Guide what we say and do so we can be effective in our ministry, whatever it may be.

       We come to You with this request in the Name of Jesus. Amen

    Today’s Bible verse: Prov. 25:2 "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honour of kings is to search out a matter."

    Today’s quote: Mary Southerland – “Praise is not optional in a life that wins over worry and doubt. Praise is essential in a journey of faith.It is a demonstration of trust and the acceptance of a circumstance without insisting that God change it. When we choose to praise God, we choose to trust Him. And when we choose to trust God, we will win over worry.”

    Some thoughts today: Do what you can do to make every effort to live in peace.

    - Get alone to get down to the core of your hurt. God will take care of your pain, restitution, and dealing with the other person.

    - Do not allow anyone to stop you from accomplishing God's will, for He is always with you, to help you.

    Tuesday’s post:  #49  Tarrying one Hour  C. Peter Wagner

    Thursday's post:  #50  Discovering Intercession  C. Peter Wagner

    Saturday's post:  Big Plans/Can God Direct This?  Cristi M. Estes

    Sunday's post:  There's Power in His Name  Dave Hathaway

    A popular post: Preconceived Ideas  "Do you have preconceived ideas about how God should do things? It’s time to lay down those preconceived ideas and trust God to work in His ways."


    Winter wonder land.

      

    Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  Kindle addition $1.95









    Saturday, December 28, 2013

    Real Love

    Cindy Hess Kasper shares with us, "A few years ago, my friend's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

    Since then, Beth has been forced to make tough decisions about her mom's care, and her heart has often been broken as she watched her vibrant and fun-loving mom slowly slipping away.

    In the process, my friend has learned that real love is not always easy or convenient.

    After her mom was hospitalized for a couple of days last year, Beth wrote these words to some of her friends:

    'As backwards as it may seem, I'm very thankful for the journey I am on with my mom.

    Behind the memory loss, confusion, and utter helplessness is a beautiful person who loves life and is at complete peace. 

    I am learning so much about what real love is, and even though I probably wouldn't have asked for this journey and the tears and heartache that go with it, I wouldn't trade it for anything.'

    The Bible reminds us that love is patient and kind.

    It is not self-seeking or easily angered.

    It "bears all things" 2 Cor. 13:4-7.

    Real love originated with our Father, who gave us the gift of His Son.

    As we seek to show His love to others, we can follow the example of Christ, who laid down His life for us 1 John 3:16-18."  

    Real Love  Cindy Hess Kasper 


    Our Daily Bread

    "Teach me to love, this is my prayer    
    May the compassion of Thy heart I share;
    Ready a cup of water to give,
    May I unselfishly for others live.  Peterson

    Real love is helping others for Jesus' sake
    even if they can never return the favor."
    //26/13

    Let’s pray:


       Father, when we see what others go through, may we realize that they are learning valuable lessons in life, and we need to support them the best we can.

       Help us reach out to them in their circumstances, and try to understand what they're experiencing.

       It may be that we are, or will, go through some tough situations ourselves. 

       It is our desire for You to help us remember Your love surrounds us, too. We need to be patient and kind to those we are dealing with, and to be ready to serve them.

       We ask for Your help in living unselfishly, that others may see Christ in us. We ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen

    Today's prayer for your pastor: "Pray that your pastor will

    earnestly seek God's will and be committed to instant and 
    complete obedience—ready for God to work powerfully in and 
    through his ministry. 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Luke 9:23-24. www.lifeaction.org

    Today’s Bible verse: Is. 40:29 "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."

    Today’s quotes: Joel Osteen – “God is not going to remove every difficulty from you instantly. He uses those things to refine you, to do a fresh work in you.”

    Randy Kilgore - "The first Christmas night, when a mighty all-knowing, all-powerful God wrote His name on the heart of humanity, stunning us with the generosity of forgiveness and the joy of unconditional love. The birth of Christ is the answer to our most fervent prayers for love and forgiveness. Can you feel the wonder?"

    Cindy Sproles - "Christmas isn’t just about packages and bows. It’s about the beginning of life for a child whose sole purpose was to overcome death and save us. This year as you clear away the Christmas leftovers of wrapping and food, remember Christmas has a deeper meaning. Seek to know more and find peace in the joy of the sacrifice."

    Some thoughts today: Folks who are spiritually dead in their sins, will need a life-changing conference with Christ. As there's nothing in us that merits God's goodness and grace, we're in a desperate need of a Savior.

    - Jesus took the curse of our sins so we could be blessed. When Christ died, He died to give us a whole healing of spirit, soul, and body.

    - Thank God there's One Who qualified for our redemption!

    28th Sunday’s post: Unlocking Inspiration/Wounded Warrior Story  Adam Hunter

    30th Tuesday's post:  #49  Tarrying One Hour  C. Peter Wagner

    1/2nd Thursday's post:  #50  Discovering Intercession  C. Peter Wagner

    4th Saturday's post: Big Plans/Can God Direct This?  Christi M. Estes

    A popular post: What Does God Say?   "How serious are you about finding what God says about your problem? God's answers aren't quick and easy, but the right answers never are."


    Breath-taking beauty!

    If you would like me to send 5 of my bookmarks, signed, and with my blog address stamped on them to you at no cost, let me know by emailing me, and letting me know of your request. Samples of Jean's crafts 



    Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  Kindle addition $3










    Monday, December 23, 2013

    The Colorful Christ Bell


    THE BELL

    I KNOW WHO I AM
    I am God's child (John 1:12)
    I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
    I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
    I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
    I am a saint (set apart for God)(Eph. 1:1)
    I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
    I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
    I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27)
    I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8: 1-2)
    I am a citizen of HeavenI am significant (Phil. 3:20)
    I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
    I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
    I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
    I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
    I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
    I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:21-22)
    I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28)
    I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
    I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12)
    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
    I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
    I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16).    I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10)
    I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
    I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Rom. 5:1)
    I know the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1:5)
    I'm redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14). 
    I've been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
     I belong to God
    Do you know
    who you are?


    The Bell    (It came to me in black and white. I added the colors. The person who shared it, didn't know the author.)

    ORIGINALLY POSTED  FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2011


    “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
    Galatians 4:4, 5

                  "Amazing thought! that God in flesh
               Would take my place and bear my sin;
                  That I, a guilty, death-doomed soul,
                      Eternal life might win!Anon.

               God broke into human history to offer 
              us the gift of eternal life.”  
                                     Our Daily Bread 8/31/11

    Amazing A Capella Group Sings a Christmas Classic That You Will Love   (Drummer Boy)

                 Jesus, Our Savior

    In fulfillment of the scriptures
    Jesus came to earth,
    Not as a man, but as a child,
    His was a humble birth.

    There were no crowds to greet Him,
    No party nor fanfare,
    Just a simple setting,
    He entered unaware.

    But the reason for His coming
    Is one that must be told...
    He's the key to our salvation,
    Prophesied from days of old.

    He took on human nature
    So He could bear our sin
    Upon the cross, in place of us,
    Eternal life to win.

    What greater gift could we receive
    Than His abounding grace...
    The promise that we'll one day share
    His presence face to face!

       © Frances Gregory Pasch
                       paschf@comcast.net

            (Used by permission)

    Today’s quotes: Debbie Hardy – “Let’s focus this Christmas on what we can give to others, not on our list of wants."

    Donna Collins - "Perfect peace is the true gift of Christmas and it can't be bought with money or a credit card. Seek joy and happiness in what you have. Be grateful for the blessings of life. God gives us much when we are happy with what we have.

    The following was taken from the post, Giving the Gift of Time. It appeared first on Jill Savage.

    Dr. Rob Currie asks us this: "As you make plans for special time with a family member, consider these suggestions:
    1. Do something you both enjoy. Mutual fun is a powerful bonding force.
    2. If time or money don’t allow for a full day experience together, do something for an afternoon or a few hours in the morning.
    3. With young children, it may be better to spend a few hours together rather than an all-day event.
    What about you? What have you done with family members or what are you planning to do? 

    Dr. Rob Currie's web page  www.ilovemypreschooler.com.



    (Google images added)

    24th- Tuesday's post:  #47  Mediocre Prayer Habits?  C. Peter Wagner

    26th- Thursday's post:  #48  The Reader's Digest Sermon  C. Peter Wagner

    28th- Saturday's post:  Real Love  Cindy Hess Kaper

    29th- Sunday's post:  Unloading Inspiration/Wounded Warrior Story  Adam Hunter