Thoughts for Life: Power of Prayer

So many are the challenges that face us everyday
And with each is a reason that we need to stop and pray
For God to make us witnesses to all that He can do
When we lay all before the cross where He makes sinners new

For all of us are sinners all of us know not the way
To really be effective in the way that we should pray
Unless we spend that special time where God can help us be
Reflective of His perfect will that lives in you and me

When we are full abandoned to His will and way for men
Who will not want not choose not to be slaves again to sin
But want more than the air they breathe to live for Jesus Christ
Who gave His all upon that cross to be our Sacrifice

That we be more that people who have access to God's throne
But be a pure reflection of what He has always shown
To be His Law of Righteousness that lives and reigns in love
That endlessly proceeds to us who seek His throne above

Where is the power and Majesty that rules the hearts of men
Who choose to follow in the path that He will lead us in
The path where all who know Him not but see us everyday
Begin to see His Light in us that leads them to the Way

Where all who will give all to Him will more than know His will
But will experience His grace that He's providing still
To work the works of holiness wherein His love abides
That heals the broken of their past and by His Spirit guides

His people as His children who by faith want more to be
The channels of His holiness more than iniquity
That He through them might touch the world in ways it's never known
That when He comes He'll reap the fruits of seed that they have sown

The fruits of souls surrendered to the purpose of God's will
Each morning in their prayer time as they felt His Spirit fill
Their emptiness with purpose and the wisdom for the day
To meet the many challenges they thought would come their way

And more than meet to conquer by the power of Jesus name
The power of the enemy who seeks to cast his blame
Upon us but is vanquished by the power of God through prayer
Because His Presence stays with those who take Him everywhere

2 Timothy 3:12-17; Mark 10:14-15; James 5:15; 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Lee Forbes

(Google image, Trust in God!)

Unlocking the power of prayer

Father, help us see the reason we need to stop and pray to be witnesses to others of what You can do.
When we lay our needs before the cross, where You made us new, may we become effective in the process of showing others the way of salvation.
Our desire is that we will reflect Your perfect will that lives in us, to show the power and Majesty that rules in our hearts.
Help us choose to follow in the path that will lead us everyday to see Your Light, and can help us to lead others in the Way of peace.
May we learn to give all to Christ, that we may experience His grace that You are providing still.
The works of holiness wherein Your love abides, will heal the broken of our past by Your Spirit's guidance.

As we choose to be channels of Your holiness more than iniquity, may others be touched in ways they've never known, and reap the fruits of righteousness sown.
We ask for this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Bible verses-

Gal. 5:22, 23 (KJV) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
(23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Eph. 6:10, 13, 18, 19 (NIV) "Finally, be strong in the Lord
and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that
you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (13)
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the
day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground,
and after you have done everything, to stand. (18) Pray
in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on
praying for all the saints. (19) Pray also for me, that
whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so
that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel."

Today's quotes:

~ Jill Savage- " God often does His best work in the challenges of life . . . if we'll let Him. So the hard parts of life are really the heart parts of life. It's where we're molded and shaped to be more like Him. It's where our character is formed. It's where we get the opportunity to move out of the driver's seat of our life and let God do the driving. So what's normal in your life these days?"

(Taken from her "Life on The Edge of Normal" posting.

Jill offers the following for those who have, or know of someone preparing for college: FREE College Packing List.

~ Victoria Byson- "Satan has come to kill steal and destroy, but be of good cheer. Our LORD has OVERCOME THE WORLD! (Jn. 10:10; Jn. 16:33) Our heavenly Father has the right to govern mankind, because He first created us and then again sent His Son to save us (Jn. 3:16). He is our true Ruler and we will need to choose who we will serve: God or satan? (Joshua 24:20) Do you want to rebel against the Lordship of God and govern yourself or will you surrender to the King of kings and Lord of lords? Because to the pure, He shows Himself pure, but to the wicked, He is hostile" (Ps. 18:26). (Taken from her post: Father God Says, "DO NOT FEAR,
I Am Exposing the Plans of the Enemy!"

Today's guest post-

Physical and Spiritual Rest: A Dynamic Combo

Jane Ault- "I did not write a blog post last week. I felt too tired and stressed. I needed rest. God is patiently teaching me to take care of my body in a way that honors him. Physical rest goes hand-in-hand with spiritual rest."

Today's question-

What does it mean to Grow in Grace?

Like Jill said above, "God often does His best work in the challenges of life . . . if we'll let Him. So the hard parts of life are really the heart parts of life. It's where we're molded and shaped to be more like Him. It's where our character is formed. It's where we get the opportunity to move out of the driver's seat of our life and let God do the driving."

This next notice is of a great series in video-teaching for folks who'd like to reexamine their faith, or even investigate Christianity, as compared to other religions! We're watching them weekly, so will view #8 next week! I highly recommend them!

Startingpointsearies.com A great series of 8 videos by Andy Stanley, on starting over again in our faith, and learning to be more solid in the faith we've had since childhood. He compares religions, and shows us the true value of Christianity. It is great for doubters, non-believers as well as those who have faith to some degree.

List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!

Upcoming posts-

#83 The Anointing is Knowable
28th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

#84 God's Anointing Confers Blessings
30th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

Where's God?
9/1- Saturday's post by Jean Oathout

Prayer, Trust, and Waiting on the Lord Remove Weariness.
4th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel