Recently, I have been going through the complete works of E.M. Bounds on prayer. In his book, The Possibilities of Prayer, he makes this challenge:
"More praying must be done and better praying if the church shall be able to perform the difficult, delicate, and responsible task given to it by her Lord and master. Defeat awaits a nonpraying church. Success is sure to follow a church given to much prayer. The supernatural element in the church, without which it must fail, comes only through praying. More time, in this busy bustling age, must be given to prayer by a God-called church. More thought must be given to prayer in this thoughtless, silly age of superficial religion. More heart and soul must be in the praying that is done if the church would go forth in the strength of her Lord and perform the wonders which is her heritage by divine promise."
If he saw this to be true in the mid 1800's, how much more could be it said today? Bottom line - you can never pray enough!
Showing posts with label ABIDE Today. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ABIDE Today. Show all posts
Monday, February 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
ABIDE! Today
Well, things are always being tweaked, aren't they? New tools seem to keep popping up. So, why not give those tools a ride?
Going forward, the ABIDE! Today devotional thought will no longer be a written post. Rather, it will be in the form of a short audio clip sent through Cinch. To listen to each day's thought, go to the ABIDE! Today tab above and you can play the most recent uadio, as well as get previous thoughts.
I pray that this will be a helpful change in how we provide resources.
Follow Paulyanchek on Cinch
Going forward, the ABIDE! Today devotional thought will no longer be a written post. Rather, it will be in the form of a short audio clip sent through Cinch. To listen to each day's thought, go to the ABIDE! Today tab above and you can play the most recent uadio, as well as get previous thoughts.
I pray that this will be a helpful change in how we provide resources.
Follow Paulyanchek on Cinch
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
ABIDE! Today - January 4, 2010
"train yourself for godliness"
-1 Timothy 4:7
If I told you that I was in training for an event, it would be resonable for you to assume that I am following some type of training program. If I want to train to run a marathon, but I am not running daily, and never increase how far I run daily, you will question if I am serious about my training. Also, you would rightly conclude that I will not finish the marathon, if I even participate.
What is your spiritual training program? Could you describe to someone, right now, the details of what you are doing to "get in shape" spiritually? A half-hearted, informal approach does not cut it when it comes to a marathon, do we really think it will be any different in our spiritual development?
-1 Timothy 4:7
If I told you that I was in training for an event, it would be resonable for you to assume that I am following some type of training program. If I want to train to run a marathon, but I am not running daily, and never increase how far I run daily, you will question if I am serious about my training. Also, you would rightly conclude that I will not finish the marathon, if I even participate.
What is your spiritual training program? Could you describe to someone, right now, the details of what you are doing to "get in shape" spiritually? A half-hearted, informal approach does not cut it when it comes to a marathon, do we really think it will be any different in our spiritual development?
Monday, January 3, 2011
ABIDE! Today - January 3, 2011
"So His fame spread..."
-Matthew 4:24
Sometimes we can get caught up living for our own fame. We would never say this, but deep down we realize it is true. We are offended when someone wrongs us. We are hurt when we do not receive the recognition or thanks we feel that we deserve. Our feelings are hurt when someone doesn't return our calls. All of these can be subtle reflections of our desire for our own fame. How often do we seek to live every moment in such a way that the fame is Jesus is made known in and through us? When God's power is poured out, do we make Him famous, or try to share the credit? Do you seek answers to prayer so that our lives can be more comfortable, or so that the answered prayer can increase the fame of Jesus?
-Matthew 4:24
Sometimes we can get caught up living for our own fame. We would never say this, but deep down we realize it is true. We are offended when someone wrongs us. We are hurt when we do not receive the recognition or thanks we feel that we deserve. Our feelings are hurt when someone doesn't return our calls. All of these can be subtle reflections of our desire for our own fame. How often do we seek to live every moment in such a way that the fame is Jesus is made known in and through us? When God's power is poured out, do we make Him famous, or try to share the credit? Do you seek answers to prayer so that our lives can be more comfortable, or so that the answered prayer can increase the fame of Jesus?
Thursday, December 30, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 30, 2010
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."
-Matthew 4:4
It is amazing how much we think about food. Every couple of hours we can find ourselves thinking about our next meal. And nothing stands in the way of satisfying our hunger. In fact, there is even an entire television channel devoted to nothing but food.
How much do you hunger the Word of God? Do you find yourself thinking about often throughout the day? Do you allow nothing to stand in the way of feeding on God's Word each and every day? How much do you desire more of God's Word today? Prove your answer by spending time in it today!
-Matthew 4:4
How much do you hunger the Word of God? Do you find yourself thinking about often throughout the day? Do you allow nothing to stand in the way of feeding on God's Word each and every day? How much do you desire more of God's Word today? Prove your answer by spending time in it today!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 29, 2010
"He said to the woman, 'Did God actually say...'"
-Genesis 3:1b
Be very careful. Every temptation you face today will begin this way. Satan will try to massage your pride and get you to question whether or not something is really wrong. He will try to deceive you into doubting that God's plan is best. You will be mislead to think that holiness will not be the best course of action in a particular situation. Hide God's Word in your heart and do not be turned to the right or to the left.
-Genesis 3:1b
Be very careful. Every temptation you face today will begin this way. Satan will try to massage your pride and get you to question whether or not something is really wrong. He will try to deceive you into doubting that God's plan is best. You will be mislead to think that holiness will not be the best course of action in a particular situation. Hide God's Word in your heart and do not be turned to the right or to the left.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 28, 2010
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." -Psalm 1:1-2
God used Jeff Osberg during the 2010 Evangelism Boot Camp to convict me in a fresh way about the importance of Scripture memorization. I have often started such efforts, only be become discouraged and then have given up. In an effort to be more intentional in Scripture memory, we began holding Bible Drills on Wednesday nights. This has become a very precious time for me, and one of the highlights of my week. It is such a blessing to have other believers who want to come together to help each other hide God's Word in our hearts.
As we approach the New Year, perhaps Scripture memory would be a good discipline to re-introduce into your daily discipline. One thing that has greatly helped me is purchasing an 11"x14" white board and dry erase markers. Every day during my time with God, I write out each of the memory verses that we are working on together. It has greatly helped me memorize the verses, which has helped me to meditate on them throughout the day.
As we approach the New Year, perhaps Scripture memory would be a good discipline to re-introduce into your daily discipline. One thing that has greatly helped me is purchasing an 11"x14" white board and dry erase markers. Every day during my time with God, I write out each of the memory verses that we are working on together. It has greatly helped me memorize the verses, which has helped me to meditate on them throughout the day.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 21, 2010
Luke 7:47 - "Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven - for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."
I found myself asking God to increase my love for Him. What happened next caught me off guard. Rather than this overwhelming "warm sensation," I was suddenly overcome with the magnitude of my sins. As I reflected on the enormity of this mountain, I caught a glimpse of the magnitude of God's love to send His Son to forgive me of this mountain if sin. And my love for Him swelled in response.
I found myself asking God to increase my love for Him. What happened next caught me off guard. Rather than this overwhelming "warm sensation," I was suddenly overcome with the magnitude of my sins. As I reflected on the enormity of this mountain, I caught a glimpse of the magnitude of God's love to send His Son to forgive me of this mountain if sin. And my love for Him swelled in response.
Monday, December 20, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 20, 2010
OK, a little break from our time in the "repentance corner." I would like to shift gears and briefly share some of the things that God has been showing me in His Word.
2 John 1:6 - "this is love, that we walk according to His commandments."
It is easy for us to claim to love God. But the proof of that love is in our actions - not just obeying out of fear, but as the natural overflow of our love for God. We can too often come to God just for His benefits rather than seeking Him and Him alone. Seeking His benefits will not result in a love that overflows naturally into obedience.
Do you find yourself obeying God without having to think about it? Is it just a natural overflow of your love for Him?
2 John 1:6 - "this is love, that we walk according to His commandments."
It is easy for us to claim to love God. But the proof of that love is in our actions - not just obeying out of fear, but as the natural overflow of our love for God. We can too often come to God just for His benefits rather than seeking Him and Him alone. Seeking His benefits will not result in a love that overflows naturally into obedience.
Do you find yourself obeying God without having to think about it? Is it just a natural overflow of your love for Him?
Friday, December 17, 2010
ABIDE! Today
Do you help the less fortunate?
Are you burdened by the reality of homelessness? Does poverty break your heart? Are you grieved that you have brothers and sisters in Christ around the world starving because of their faith in Christ?
Are you burdened by the reality of homelessness? Does poverty break your heart? Are you grieved that you have brothers and sisters in Christ around the world starving because of their faith in Christ?
Thursday, December 16, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 16, 2010
Do you cheerfully support missions work through prayer and/or offering?
With 150,000 people around the world dying every single day, does reaching them with the Gospel have a priority in your daily life? Do you long to see souls saved from the fires of hell?
With 150,000 people around the world dying every single day, does reaching them with the Gospel have a priority in your daily life? Do you long to see souls saved from the fires of hell?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 15, 2010
Do you withhold the use of your money for God's purposes?
Do you take what God has blessed you with and use it for yourself alone or do you look for ways to invest it in His Kingdom and to bless His people?
Do you take what God has blessed you with and use it for yourself alone or do you look for ways to invest it in His Kingdom and to bless His people?
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 14, 2010
Do you withhold your talents from God?
has has blessed you with certain talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts. Have you been faithful in using them to their fullest for His glory? Do you use them for you own desires instead of His?
has has blessed you with certain talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts. Have you been faithful in using them to their fullest for His glory? Do you use them for you own desires instead of His?
Monday, December 13, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 13, 2010
Have you robbed God by withholding His due of time?
Do you fail to give God time out of your daily routine? Do you fail to give God one day in seven to gather with His people in worship? Do you fail to sacrifice of your time to serve the Lord by building up other believer's?
Do you fail to give God time out of your daily routine? Do you fail to give God one day in seven to gather with His people in worship? Do you fail to sacrifice of your time to serve the Lord by building up other believer's?
Friday, December 10, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 10, 2010
Do you belittle anyone?
Do your words or attitude make others feel inferior? Do you say or do things that make others feel stupid or as if they do not measure up to you? Do you spend more time pointing out faults than you do encouraging and building others up? Do you pride yourself in being "correct" while hurting others in the process?
Do your words or attitude make others feel inferior? Do you say or do things that make others feel stupid or as if they do not measure up to you? Do you spend more time pointing out faults than you do encouraging and building others up? Do you pride yourself in being "correct" while hurting others in the process?
Thursday, December 9, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 9, 2010
Do you deliberately slight anyone?
Are there people at church or at work that you ignore or intentional avoid greeting? Do you deliberately do things to show your disapproval of others?
Are there people at church or at work that you ignore or intentional avoid greeting? Do you deliberately do things to show your disapproval of others?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 8, 2010
Are you a partaker in any division?
When you have a conflict with someone else in your church, do you seek reconciliation, or do you try to bring others into your problem and push people to pick sides? Does your personal agenda cause you to resist others or try to battle with the agenda of others? Are you guilty of spreading gossip about others?
When you have a conflict with someone else in your church, do you seek reconciliation, or do you try to bring others into your problem and push people to pick sides? Does your personal agenda cause you to resist others or try to battle with the agenda of others? Are you guilty of spreading gossip about others?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 7, 2010
Do you quarrel, argue, or engage in heated discussions?
Are you working against the unity in your church? Do you always have to take issue with something that someone else says? Is there someone that you always feel the need to correct or point out faults in? Are you quick to take offense?
Are you working against the unity in your church? Do you always have to take issue with something that someone else says? Is there someone that you always feel the need to correct or point out faults in? Are you quick to take offense?
Monday, December 6, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 6, 2010
Are you guilty of contention?
Perhaps you haven't actively been causing division in your church and maybe you haven't been involved in any fights. However, have you added tension in your attitude towards others? Is there someone that you treat as inferior to yourself? Do you give a cold shoulder to anyone? Such behaviors are no less sinful as they can cause just as much damage in a church.
Perhaps you haven't actively been causing division in your church and maybe you haven't been involved in any fights. However, have you added tension in your attitude towards others? Is there someone that you treat as inferior to yourself? Do you give a cold shoulder to anyone? Such behaviors are no less sinful as they can cause just as much damage in a church.
Friday, December 3, 2010
ABIDE! Today - December 3, 2010
Do you prefer yourself over the lost?
If you are not regularly sharing your faith, chances are it is because you are too shy, feel too timid, are afraid of saying something foolish or not knowing the answer to someone's question. Are you afraid of people thinking that you are a "Jesus Freak"? Have you ever noticed the common star in each of those statements? It is self. We are often more concerned with our own pride, our own comfort, or our own reputation than we are about the fate of the lost. If that wasn't true, none of these would ever be reasons that we give for not sharing the Gospel.
If you are not regularly sharing your faith, chances are it is because you are too shy, feel too timid, are afraid of saying something foolish or not knowing the answer to someone's question. Are you afraid of people thinking that you are a "Jesus Freak"? Have you ever noticed the common star in each of those statements? It is self. We are often more concerned with our own pride, our own comfort, or our own reputation than we are about the fate of the lost. If that wasn't true, none of these would ever be reasons that we give for not sharing the Gospel.
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