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Saturday, December 28, 2019

FIVE RULES FOR ANSWERED PRAYER!


Saturday, December 28, 2019

FIVE RULES FOR ANSWERED PRAYER!

John 14:13
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

           George Ferdinand Muller (1805 – 1898) was a German born keeper of a large orphanage in Bristol, England. The orphanage at Ashley Down was built to house as many as 2,050 children! The architect who drew up the plans for the building donated his services.

           In his ministry as orphanage keeper, Muller never asked any man for donations. His requests were made known to God. In one case while 300 children were seated at the table for breakfast. A table grace was given although there was nothing in the house to eat. Suddenly the baker arrived with enough bread for all the children. Then the milk man knocked upon the door and donated milk because his cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. Muller had five rules for answered prayer.

1. Total dependence upon the merits of the Lord as the only basis for blessing.

John 14:13-14
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

2. Separation from all known sin.

Ps 66:18
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Prov 15:29
29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

3. Faith in God’s promises.

Heb 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

4. Agreement with the will of God.

1 John 5:14-15
14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

5. Aggressive and persistent asking.

Luke 18:1-7
18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Dear Lord, let us learn to pray “give us this day our daily bread” and let us, by faith, believe that you will provide it. AMEN

Friday, December 27, 2019

AN EVERLASTING LOVE!


Friday, December 27, 2019

AN EVERLASTING LOVE!

Jer 31:3
3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

           The word “everlasting” here is a very interesting word. It is the Hebrew word ‘owlam and it means “from or to the vanishing point; time out of mind (past or future); always”!

           God loves you. Not with that sticky, syrupy, gushy love of dime store novels but the solid, stable, and dependable love. Stretch your imagination as far into the past as you can. God loved you there and then. Now cast your mind as far into the future as you can reasonably see. God loves you there as well. Oh, and God loves you now.

           The word “therefore” is not a translated word. English is such a complex language that it is inferred. The original shows us the motivation and the result. The word “therefore” connects the two.

           Such love requires and demands action and action was taken. God draws us to Himself for our benefit because of His kindness like one would rescue a wounded animal. Slowly so as to not startle us, tenderly to reassure us, and gently because we are already wounded. Then he binds us up like the Good Samaritan bound up the assaulted traveler. He deposits us in a safe place with sufficient supplies for our needs and then promises to return to complete the process.

           There are only two responses possible to being drawn. One is to run away in fear and confusion and the other is to come. Timidly at first until trust is established and then fully like a rescued lap dog.

Rev 22:17
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Dear Lord, Thank you for your everlasting love and patience. AMEN

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING!


Christmas Eve, December 24, 2019

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING!

Luke 2:4-7
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

           Every year it is different! Christmas Eve is so full of anticipation and preparation that it has become a holiday all its own. Christmas Day is almost anticlimactic. The real event is the waiting.

           We are up a bit earlier than usual. The fireplace flickers softly and the gifts meant for others are mustered like soldiers waiting for inspection. Stained recipes are on the counter along with ingredients for traditional fare.

           The ghost of Christmas past reminds me that this time of year is not always pleasant. I remember the year Mom died just before Christmas. I remember also the year the church roof collapsed under heavy snow right after the holidays. These things challenge our ability to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas which is the birth of Messiah.

           Today we will join with family to enjoy just being together,  to contemplate Christmases to come, and to remember the reason for the season.

Prov 10:22
22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

May your cup overflow and force you to drink from your saucer! AMEN