- What are the most important desires of your heart? (These are usually evidenced by what you spend time thinking & worrying about, wishing for, or praying for!) Is it to finish your education so you can have a secure future? Is it to find a safe place to retire? Is it to get a better paying job so you can get the things you want? Is it to find a marriage partner that will fulfill your dreams? Is it just trying to "get by" and "survive" the daily grind? Maybe it’s to get another "ministry project" accomplished for God? Or...is it seeking to have such a daily personal and surrendered walk with your Lord that nothing in life can disturb your peace. And whatever God asks of you, you are willing!! How does your daily life reflect your ETERNAL priorities? Matt 6:33 - "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." Ps 27:4 - "One thing have I desired of the Lord and that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life..."
- As you search your heart, what are the things that come between you and your having QUALITY time with God in prayer? Could it be your sleep habits? Your work habits? Could it be the distractions of your e-mail account or Internet Surfing habits? Could it be lack of faith and trust or some sin you hold on to in your heart? Could it even be all the tasks that you are seeking to do for the Lord? Ask God...if you don’t know, He will show you! Jer 29:13 - "And ye shall seek me and find me when ye search for me with all your heart." Matt 7:7 - "Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find..."
- The miracles of the out-pouring of God’s spirit that we hear stories of... Why don’t they happen more often today here in our midst? Could we be doing something wrong??? Are we sleeping?? Should we be praying more?? II Chron 7:14 - "If my people which are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways..."
- Are you willing to make some drastic changes in your life...even if those changes are uncomfortable or require giving up some pleasure (sleep, entertainment, "your agenda your way")? Is Heaven really worth the cost?? Matt 6:21- "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also..." IS HEAVEN WORTH THE SACRIFICE????
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Healthy Heart Challenge #6
Prayer Meeting - April 30 - There is Power in Prayer
This week, as we prepare for another round of "Operation Global Rain" where we are interceding for God to heal our hearts, our land, and pour out His Holy Spirit, we once again focused on the incredible power of Prayer.
Melody read excerpts of powerful stories from the book, "The Kneeling Christian." Below are just a few:
A lady in India was cast down through the failure of her life and work. She was a devoted missionary, but somehow or other conversions never resulted from her ministry. The Holy Spirit seemed to say to her, “Pray more.” But she resisted the promptings of the Spirit for some time. “At length,” said she, “I set apart much of my time for prayer. I did it in fear and trembling lest my fellow-workers should complain that I was shirking my work. After a few weeks I began to see men and women accepting Christ as their Savior. Moreover, the whole district was soon awakened, and the work of all the other missionaries was blessed as never before. God did more in six months than I had succeeded in doing in six years. And,” she added, “no one ever accused me of shirking my duty.” (Page 31)
Another lady missionary in India felt the same call to pray. She began to give much time to prayer. No opposition came from without, but it did come from within. But she persisted, and in two years the baptized converts increased sixfold! God promised that He would “pour out the Spirit of grace and supplication upon all flesh” Joel 2:28 How much of that Spirit of “supplication” is ours? Surely we must get that Spirit at all costs? Yet if we are not willing to spend time in “supplication,” God must perforce withhold His Spirit, and we become numbered amongst those who are “resisting the Spirit,” and possibly “quenching” the Spirit. Has not our Lord promised the Holy Spirit to them that ask? Luke 11:13 (Page 31)
Many of us will recall the wonderful things which God did for Korea a few years ago, entirely in answer to prayer. A few missionaries decided to meet together to pray daily at noon. At the end of the month one brother proposed that, “as nothing had happened,” the prayer-meeting should be discontinued. “Let us each pray at home as we find it convenient,” said he. The others, however, protested that they ought rather to spend even more time in prayer each day. So they continued the daily prayer-meeting for four months. Then suddenly the blessing began to be poured out. Church services here and there were broken up by weeping and confessing of sins.
At length a mighty revival broke out. At one place during a evening service the leading man in the church stood up and confessed that he had stolen one hundred dollars in administering a widow’s legacy. Immediately conviction of sin swept the audience. That service did not end till 2 o’clock on Monday morning. God’s wondrous power was felt as never before. And when the Church was purified, many sinners found salvation.
Multitudes flocked to the churches out of curiosity. Some came to mock, but fear laid hold of them, and they stayed to pray. Amongst the “curious” was a brigand chief, the leader of a robber band. He was convicted and converted. He went straight off to the magistrate and gave himself up. “You have no accuser,” said the astonished official, “yet you accuse yourself! We have no law in Korea to meet your case.” So he dismissed him.
One of the missionaries declared, “It paid well to have spent several months in prayer, for when God gave the Holy Spirit, He accomplished more in half a day than all the missionaries together could have accomplished in half a year.” In less than two months, more than 2,000 heathen were converted. The burning zeal of those converts has become a byword. Some of them gave all they had to build a church, and wept because they could not give more. Needless to say, they realized the power of prayer. Those converts were themselves baptized with the “Spirit of supplication.”
In one church it was announced that a daily prayer-meeting would be held at 4:30 every morning. The very first day 400 people arrived long before the stated hour — eager to pray! The number rapidly increased to 600 as days went on. At Seoul, 1,100 is the average attendance at the weekly prayer-meeting. Heathen people came — to see what was happening. They exclaimed in astonishment, “The living God is among you.” Those poor heathen saw what many Christians fail to see. Did not Christ say, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them”? Matt 18:20. What is possible in Korea is possible here. God is “no respecter” of nations. He is longing to bless us, longing to pour His Spirit upon us. (Pages 33-34 of the "Kneeling Christian.")
She then shared some of the following powerful quotes on Prayer from the Great Controversary.
"The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay and hunger. A faith that will not faint though severely tried. A period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer." GC 621
"All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as Jacob did and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as He succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize long and hard before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will NOT obtain it... When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how FEW cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God." GC 621
"As Satan accuses the people of God on account of their sins, the Lord permits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness will be severely tested." GC 618
"The same compassionate Savior lives today, and He is as willing to listen to the prayer of faith as when He walked visibly among men. It is part of God’s plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow did we not thus ask." GC 525
"Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock Heaven’s storehouse where are treasured the boundless resources of omnipotence." Steps to Christ 94
"Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him, you cannot weary Him. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He upholds the worlds. He rules over the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice..." Steps to Christ 100
We closed with a time of solemn prayer...
Melody read excerpts of powerful stories from the book, "The Kneeling Christian." Below are just a few:
A lady in India was cast down through the failure of her life and work. She was a devoted missionary, but somehow or other conversions never resulted from her ministry. The Holy Spirit seemed to say to her, “Pray more.” But she resisted the promptings of the Spirit for some time. “At length,” said she, “I set apart much of my time for prayer. I did it in fear and trembling lest my fellow-workers should complain that I was shirking my work. After a few weeks I began to see men and women accepting Christ as their Savior. Moreover, the whole district was soon awakened, and the work of all the other missionaries was blessed as never before. God did more in six months than I had succeeded in doing in six years. And,” she added, “no one ever accused me of shirking my duty.” (Page 31)
Another lady missionary in India felt the same call to pray. She began to give much time to prayer. No opposition came from without, but it did come from within. But she persisted, and in two years the baptized converts increased sixfold! God promised that He would “pour out the Spirit of grace and supplication upon all flesh” Joel 2:28 How much of that Spirit of “supplication” is ours? Surely we must get that Spirit at all costs? Yet if we are not willing to spend time in “supplication,” God must perforce withhold His Spirit, and we become numbered amongst those who are “resisting the Spirit,” and possibly “quenching” the Spirit. Has not our Lord promised the Holy Spirit to them that ask? Luke 11:13 (Page 31)
Many of us will recall the wonderful things which God did for Korea a few years ago, entirely in answer to prayer. A few missionaries decided to meet together to pray daily at noon. At the end of the month one brother proposed that, “as nothing had happened,” the prayer-meeting should be discontinued. “Let us each pray at home as we find it convenient,” said he. The others, however, protested that they ought rather to spend even more time in prayer each day. So they continued the daily prayer-meeting for four months. Then suddenly the blessing began to be poured out. Church services here and there were broken up by weeping and confessing of sins.
At length a mighty revival broke out. At one place during a evening service the leading man in the church stood up and confessed that he had stolen one hundred dollars in administering a widow’s legacy. Immediately conviction of sin swept the audience. That service did not end till 2 o’clock on Monday morning. God’s wondrous power was felt as never before. And when the Church was purified, many sinners found salvation.
Multitudes flocked to the churches out of curiosity. Some came to mock, but fear laid hold of them, and they stayed to pray. Amongst the “curious” was a brigand chief, the leader of a robber band. He was convicted and converted. He went straight off to the magistrate and gave himself up. “You have no accuser,” said the astonished official, “yet you accuse yourself! We have no law in Korea to meet your case.” So he dismissed him.
One of the missionaries declared, “It paid well to have spent several months in prayer, for when God gave the Holy Spirit, He accomplished more in half a day than all the missionaries together could have accomplished in half a year.” In less than two months, more than 2,000 heathen were converted. The burning zeal of those converts has become a byword. Some of them gave all they had to build a church, and wept because they could not give more. Needless to say, they realized the power of prayer. Those converts were themselves baptized with the “Spirit of supplication.”
In one church it was announced that a daily prayer-meeting would be held at 4:30 every morning. The very first day 400 people arrived long before the stated hour — eager to pray! The number rapidly increased to 600 as days went on. At Seoul, 1,100 is the average attendance at the weekly prayer-meeting. Heathen people came — to see what was happening. They exclaimed in astonishment, “The living God is among you.” Those poor heathen saw what many Christians fail to see. Did not Christ say, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them”? Matt 18:20. What is possible in Korea is possible here. God is “no respecter” of nations. He is longing to bless us, longing to pour His Spirit upon us. (Pages 33-34 of the "Kneeling Christian.")
She then shared some of the following powerful quotes on Prayer from the Great Controversary.
"The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay and hunger. A faith that will not faint though severely tried. A period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer." GC 621
"All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as Jacob did and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as He succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize long and hard before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will NOT obtain it... When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how FEW cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God." GC 621
"As Satan accuses the people of God on account of their sins, the Lord permits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness will be severely tested." GC 618
"The same compassionate Savior lives today, and He is as willing to listen to the prayer of faith as when He walked visibly among men. It is part of God’s plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow did we not thus ask." GC 525
"Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock Heaven’s storehouse where are treasured the boundless resources of omnipotence." Steps to Christ 94
"Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him, you cannot weary Him. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He upholds the worlds. He rules over the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice..." Steps to Christ 100
We closed with a time of solemn prayer...
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Prayer Meeting - April 23 - Stories of the Power of the Holy Spirit
This week, for prayer meeting, we had visiting guest speaker - Jim Ayer. Pastor Jim has been working with Amazing Facts and loves Evangelism. He had multiple stories to share of incredible miracles and how the Holy Spirit is alive and working today...all over the world.
(Stay tuned for a more detailed report from one attendee that was very inspired!)
(Stay tuned for a more detailed report from one attendee that was very inspired!)
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Prayer Meeting - April 16 - Prayer in scripture...
For Prayer meeting this week, we had a general sharing time and Bible study on different aspects of Prayer covered in scripture. Some even shared testimonies of answered prayers in their lives. Then we took time to separate into small groups, and pray over the following:
~ Healthy Heart Challenge #5 ~
- That God may open our eyes, to see our true condition of sin & to see His mighty power to deliver us. (II Kings 6:17)
- That God will forgive our sin & heal our land...our home, our relationships, and our life. (II Chron 7:14)
- That we will recognize temptation and turn away from it. (II Cor 13:7)
- That we will have spiritual life and that those we pray for will have spiritual life. (Gen 20:7)
- And finally, that the God and His Word will have FREE COURSE in our lives and hearts. (II Thes 3:1)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Prayer Meeting - April 9th - Practical Christianity
This week's Prayer Meeting, Ben shared with us an inspiring article on what Practical Christianity should be. You can read excerpts below....
January 28, 1904 Practical ChristianityMrs. E. G. White
"I have been impressed with the subject of the influence of the church--what this influence should be. By earnest prayer the members are to obtain power that will make their influence a savor of life unto life. What is needed today is practical Christianity, not merely for a day or a year, but for a lifetime. The man who professes to be a Christian, and yet reveals in his life no practical godliness, is denying Christ. Opposite his name in the books of heaven are written the words, Unfaithful steward. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 1}
How is the world to be enlightened, save by the lives of Christ's followers? You profess to believe in Christ, to be a follower of his. Do you do his works? Can the world see plainly that you have been with Jesus, and learned of him? How are unbelievers to know that you belong to Christ if you show no zeal in his service, but instead cherish worldly ambition and follow worldly plans? Christ declares, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 2}
God can not prepare for the day of trial before us those who are careless and indifferent. With those who are neither cold nor hot he has nothing to do. "I would thou wert cold or hot," he says. "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth." The half-hearted Christian exerts an influence more harmful than the influence of the avowed infidel. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 3}
There are many whose lives are but a pretense of godliness. They are a law unto themselves, and they always will be, unless the grace of Christ subdues their hearts. They lift up their souls unto vanity, and God has no use for them in his service. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 4}
The Will of God Concerning You Our sanctification is God's object in all his dealing with us. He has chosen us from eternity that we might be holy. Christ gave himself for our redemption, that through faith in his power to save from sin, we might be made complete in him. In giving us his Word, he has given us bread from heaven. He declares that if we eat his flesh and drink his blood, we shall receive eternal life. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 5}
As Christians we have pledged ourselves to fulfil the responsibilities resting on us, and to show to the world that we have a close connection with God. Thus, through the good words and works of his disciples, Christ is to be represented and honored." {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 6}
January 28, 1904 Practical ChristianityMrs. E. G. White
"I have been impressed with the subject of the influence of the church--what this influence should be. By earnest prayer the members are to obtain power that will make their influence a savor of life unto life. What is needed today is practical Christianity, not merely for a day or a year, but for a lifetime. The man who professes to be a Christian, and yet reveals in his life no practical godliness, is denying Christ. Opposite his name in the books of heaven are written the words, Unfaithful steward. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 1}
How is the world to be enlightened, save by the lives of Christ's followers? You profess to believe in Christ, to be a follower of his. Do you do his works? Can the world see plainly that you have been with Jesus, and learned of him? How are unbelievers to know that you belong to Christ if you show no zeal in his service, but instead cherish worldly ambition and follow worldly plans? Christ declares, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 2}
God can not prepare for the day of trial before us those who are careless and indifferent. With those who are neither cold nor hot he has nothing to do. "I would thou wert cold or hot," he says. "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth." The half-hearted Christian exerts an influence more harmful than the influence of the avowed infidel. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 3}
There are many whose lives are but a pretense of godliness. They are a law unto themselves, and they always will be, unless the grace of Christ subdues their hearts. They lift up their souls unto vanity, and God has no use for them in his service. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 4}
The Will of God Concerning You Our sanctification is God's object in all his dealing with us. He has chosen us from eternity that we might be holy. Christ gave himself for our redemption, that through faith in his power to save from sin, we might be made complete in him. In giving us his Word, he has given us bread from heaven. He declares that if we eat his flesh and drink his blood, we shall receive eternal life. {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 5}
As Christians we have pledged ourselves to fulfil the responsibilities resting on us, and to show to the world that we have a close connection with God. Thus, through the good words and works of his disciples, Christ is to be represented and honored." {RH, January 28, 1904 par. 6}
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Prayer Meeting - April 2nd - God's Word Internalized
For this week's Prayer meeting, Melody started a series called "The Vital Signs of Life" and shared some of her personal testimony. Her focus was "Scripture memorization" and how that has impacted her life! Her goal was to challenge and motivate those in attendance to seek to make "Scripture Memorization" a solid part of their devotional walk with God. "The goal is Complete Sanctification right?" she challenged? "So how is that developed?"
"Sanctify them through thy truth....thy word is truth!" John 17:17
There are FOUR THINGS that I think Satan attacks the hardest in our own lives!
ONE: Satan employs every possible device to keep us from deep meditative study of the Bible!
"Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions." GC 593
Now you know, Satan doesn’t care so much if you know a lot of Bible facts, just as long as they don’t change your life! But He will work at all cost to keep you from studying the Bible with a surrendered deep desire to Know God and to follow His every word. All we have to do is look at our own lives and we can see how he seeks to do this!
TWO: He employs every possible device to keep us from deep soul-searching prayer!
"Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience." In Heavenly Places pg 83
What happens if we don’t breath? We die....so it happens spiritually!
THREE: He employs every possible device to keep us from Praising God in our trials and from growing in faith...
"The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger--a faith that will not faint though severely tried....Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement... When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God." GC 621
FOUR: And He employs every device possible to keep us from being obedient in our lives and witness!
"Heaven with its attractions is before you, an eternal weight of glory, which you may lose or gain. Which shall it be? Your life and your character will testify the choice you have made. I feel the more anxious because I see so many indifferent upon the subjects of infinite importance. They are always busy here and there about matters of minor importance, and the one great subject is put out of their thoughts. They have no time to pray, no time to watch, no time to search the Scriptures. They are altogether too busy to make the necessary preparation for the future life. They cannot devote time to perfect Christian characters and in diligence to secure a title to heaven." Our High Calling page 44
We'll be talking about all FOUR areas over the next couple months, but tonight we're going to zero in on Number One - Diving into God's Word, not only in study, but also by learning to put His Word in our hearts!
Briefly let's look at 5 powerful ways that Scripture Memory will bless our lives.
1: Scripture Memorization helps us to really Know our Faith
II Tim 2:15
I Cor 2:5
I Tim 3:16,17
John 5:39
Acts 17:11
Isa 8:20
2: Scripture Memorization Enables us to Answer for our Faith
Isa 43:10
I Pet 3:15
Ps 119:42,46
Luke 21:14-15
John 14:26
3: Scripture Memorization enables us to gain Victory in daily battles
II Cor 10:13
II Pet 1:4
Matt 4
Rom 15:4
4: Scripture Memorization enables us to Prepare for the Time of Trouble ahead
Eph 6:10-18
I Pet 5:8
I Cor 16:13
Ps 27:5
Matt 24:35,13
5: Scripture Memorization adds Power to our Prayer life and Relationship with Jesus
Rom 8:26-39
John 15:7
Eph 3:20
Rom 4:20
Phil 4:6
Closing Thoughts:
We live in a quick-fix, do-it-yourself society...but that mentality isn't going to work when it comes to building a faith that will last til the end.
"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death..." Prov 16:25
Memorizing lots of Bible verses does not save us any more than doing other good works.... It is having a surrendered and committed relationship with Jesus Christ...so that when He comes back.... He can say, "I know you!"
"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast...." Eph 2:8-9
However, scripture memory draws us closer to the goal of knowing Christ personally....it helps us think like He thinks, love as He loves, and hate what He hates!!! And that’s our goal - complete surrendered sanctification!!!
"I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God...." Rom 12:1,2
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." John 1:1,12
Resources for Scripture Memory Programs
http://www.fast.st/
1-800-501-4024
http://www.thywordcreations.com/
1-800-347-WORD
http://www.sealingtouch.com/
580-661-3837
"Sanctify them through thy truth....thy word is truth!" John 17:17
Below are a few highlights from her notes shared during Prayer Meeting
There are FOUR THINGS that I think Satan attacks the hardest in our own lives!
ONE: Satan employs every possible device to keep us from deep meditative study of the Bible!
"Satan employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions." GC 593
Now you know, Satan doesn’t care so much if you know a lot of Bible facts, just as long as they don’t change your life! But He will work at all cost to keep you from studying the Bible with a surrendered deep desire to Know God and to follow His every word. All we have to do is look at our own lives and we can see how he seeks to do this!
TWO: He employs every possible device to keep us from deep soul-searching prayer!
"Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience." In Heavenly Places pg 83
What happens if we don’t breath? We die....so it happens spiritually!
THREE: He employs every possible device to keep us from Praising God in our trials and from growing in faith...
"The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger--a faith that will not faint though severely tried....Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement... When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God." GC 621
FOUR: And He employs every device possible to keep us from being obedient in our lives and witness!
"Heaven with its attractions is before you, an eternal weight of glory, which you may lose or gain. Which shall it be? Your life and your character will testify the choice you have made. I feel the more anxious because I see so many indifferent upon the subjects of infinite importance. They are always busy here and there about matters of minor importance, and the one great subject is put out of their thoughts. They have no time to pray, no time to watch, no time to search the Scriptures. They are altogether too busy to make the necessary preparation for the future life. They cannot devote time to perfect Christian characters and in diligence to secure a title to heaven." Our High Calling page 44
We'll be talking about all FOUR areas over the next couple months, but tonight we're going to zero in on Number One - Diving into God's Word, not only in study, but also by learning to put His Word in our hearts!
Briefly let's look at 5 powerful ways that Scripture Memory will bless our lives.
1: Scripture Memorization helps us to really Know our Faith
II Tim 2:15
I Cor 2:5
I Tim 3:16,17
John 5:39
Acts 17:11
Isa 8:20
2: Scripture Memorization Enables us to Answer for our Faith
Isa 43:10
I Pet 3:15
Ps 119:42,46
Luke 21:14-15
John 14:26
3: Scripture Memorization enables us to gain Victory in daily battles
II Cor 10:13
II Pet 1:4
Matt 4
Rom 15:4
4: Scripture Memorization enables us to Prepare for the Time of Trouble ahead
Eph 6:10-18
I Pet 5:8
I Cor 16:13
Ps 27:5
Matt 24:35,13
5: Scripture Memorization adds Power to our Prayer life and Relationship with Jesus
Rom 8:26-39
John 15:7
Eph 3:20
Rom 4:20
Phil 4:6
Closing Thoughts:
We live in a quick-fix, do-it-yourself society...but that mentality isn't going to work when it comes to building a faith that will last til the end.
"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death..." Prov 16:25
Memorizing lots of Bible verses does not save us any more than doing other good works.... It is having a surrendered and committed relationship with Jesus Christ...so that when He comes back.... He can say, "I know you!"
"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast...." Eph 2:8-9
However, scripture memory draws us closer to the goal of knowing Christ personally....it helps us think like He thinks, love as He loves, and hate what He hates!!! And that’s our goal - complete surrendered sanctification!!!
"I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God...." Rom 12:1,2
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." John 1:1,12
Resources for Scripture Memory Programs
http://www.fast.st/
1-800-501-4024
http://www.thywordcreations.com/
1-800-347-WORD
http://www.sealingtouch.com/
580-661-3837
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Important Prayer Request from Terry
Hello fellow Advent HOPE folks!
Just looking for your prayers for "Finish the Work CORE program." There's an important City of Redlands meeting on Thursday April 3rd. We ask for your prayers for God's guidance in the very important meeting to establish the Bible center.
Thank you!
Terry Lawson
Just looking for your prayers for "Finish the Work CORE program." There's an important City of Redlands meeting on Thursday April 3rd. We ask for your prayers for God's guidance in the very important meeting to establish the Bible center.
Thank you!
Terry Lawson
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