august 21st, 2011

Misunderstood.

The verse Phillipians 4:13 is misunderstood at times. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." You can't do anything. You can't jump 100 yards, you can't go throughout your entire life without lying, and there are plenty of other things you cannot do. There are numerous people that go around and spit this verse out like they have super powers. I heard this in the sermon today, and it made me listen. Basically what Paul is saying is that whatever he is faced to encounter in his life, he can do it because of Jesus, the one who gives him strength. 

"I've found the recipe for being happy, whether well fed or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Which is Jesus Christ himself." -Eugene Peterson

There is quite a large difference between saying that phrase and saying "You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength." I am not saying that this saying is a wrong phrase in the text; however, it's how you interpret this verse if it is wrong or not. You can make it through anything with Christ. He always listens to you. It's just like our children's sermon today... Cell phones are quite nifty these days, and they can do so many things! Sometimes they do not work, for example, when they don't have service or they go dead. You can't get get in contact with someone that way; however, when you want to talk to God or get in contact with him.... you don't need batteries or 4 service bars to talk to him. God is always listening to your prayers, and he knows every one of our thoughts. 

Are you content with your life? Are you happy? Ask yourself the question about what makes you happy.... Is it money? relationships? profession? We are relying on things that will soon disappear into thin air to make us happy. It is Christ himself that will never disappear out of your life. That is what the whole letter is that Paul is trying to grow and strengthen the knowledge and love for Jesus Christ. 

Are you going to be content in every situation that comes your way?

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

august 14th, 2011

The Prayer of Faith

I have come to the realization at this time period in my life that I need to be praying a lot more. Not so much for the sake of myself, but the numerous people across the globe that are suffering more than I ever could be. 

I have dealt with some teenage issues recently that all teenagers deal with at one point or another. I'm hurt in ways, and I have been grieving. I have finally learned the point of picking myself up and telling myself to quit laying around in your self-pity. I'm soon to be 18 years old within the next month, and I am maturing as each day passes. With my trials throughout my teenage years, I have learned to lean on the Lord above. He is the rock and salvation of this world. 

"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has a great power as it is working." - James 5:13-16 

Most of us as human beings naturally pray for ourselves first before others; however, it's not wrong to pray for yourself. You should pray for yourself to grow as a child of God and to ask for wisdom from him. As I age I realize that there are so many people other than myself that have their lives in a much worse condition that I could even imagine, and these are the individuals that I have been praying for (f.e. spouses that are going through divorce, children that deal with that as well, the hungry, the sick, and etc.). Everyone needs prayers. Life is a journey, and it never was guaranteed to be easy. 

Let's pray for one another, and be there for someone that is grieving and suffering. It will make a difference, and that's a fact. The Lord listens to every prayer that is said, and none of them go unheard. 

Prayer goes a long way. You'll be surprised how much one prayer can impact someone's life.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.