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How praying for your family and friends can change lives.

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James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” This statement couldn't be truer. Without prayer, we have no link to God. Without prayer, we are unable to repent of our sins, we are unable to thank God, and we are unable to intercede on behalf of those we love. However, how many of us take for granted the fact that we have immediate and direct access to the Savior? I know I have. It is easy to forget the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross. It is easy to forget that we are extremely privileged to be able to speak to God whenever we like. It is easy to ignore the fact that for some people, we may be the only link to God in their lives.

Recently, I have been struggling with a few things. But, instead of taking it to God first, I tried to fix everything on my own. How many of you know that this doesn't work? I put myself in the way of God's will, I didn't ask for his help or advice, I tried to do it all on my own. And...I failed miserably. God often reminds us how big He is and how small we are in comparison.

When I finally decided to take my problem to God, miraculous things happened. He brought me a friend that prays. It may seem small to some people, but I believe what the verse above says, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." My friend was able to stand in the gap for me when I was at my weakest. She was able to lift me up in prayer and make a petition to God on my behalf.

How many of you know someone that needs your prayer? How many of you are willing to stand in the gap for your friends/family?

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

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“Prayer is not an old woman's idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action.” 

Mahatma Gandhi

When we pray, we should be seeing ourselves as soldiers. We should be assuming the position of battle. For prayer is, indeed a battle. Think of your unsaved family and friends. You  may be the only one out there praying for them. But, "THE PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN (WOMAN) IS POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE". You must believe with faith that God is in control, that He hears your prayers, and that He will answer them in His timing.

James 5:15

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

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Never ever underestimate the power of prayer. Don't assume that your problem is too small or too big for God. He can change lives. He can heal the sick. He can open doors that we've never imagined. But first, as Joyce Meyers says in her podcast about hindrances to prayer, "The number one hindrance to prayer is actually praying." Don't just think about it or talk about it. Get on  your knees and begin to pray. If you're not used to praying and the concept seems foreign to you, take it one sentence at a time. God isn't up there waiting for you to make a mistake. He longs to talk to you. He longs to be close to you. Talk to him like you would talk to a friend. That is, after all what He is. He is the best friend you could ever have.

So, let's all take some time to sit down and talk to our Creator. Let's pray for our friends and family and allow God to do a wonderful work in their lives.

Because Someone Gave

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As some of you know, I am a huge fan of "Youth With a Mission", an international volunteer movement of Christians from many backgrounds, cultures and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Through YWAM, I was able to travel around Cape York in Australia ministering to the Indigenous of the country.

Since leaving Australia in 2007, I still keep in touch with some of the people I met there and we've become good friends. Recently, the base I attended (Reef to Outback) bought a ship and turned it into a "Medical Ship" bringing free health care to Papa New Guinea. They made a video summarizing their ministry this year. I applaud them for their work and praise God that He has been using them in such a powerful way. Please take a moment to watch it.

The reason I've entitled this article "Because Someone Gave" is because this video inspired me. Well, I guess it's God that inspired me. He is the ultimate inspiration.

In today's culture, we really don't talk about GIVING very much. We talk about "charities" in tax terms; we give money to a homeless person and feel our job is done for the whole month. But, are we really willing to give EVERYTHING for the sake of God's kingdom? If Jesus appeared before you today and asked you to leave all your possessions, your family, your home, your country....would you?

There is a reason that this scripture exists:

Matthew 19:24

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

God didn't say this to judge those that have more money than others. He said this because He knew that human nature is to value physical possessions, family, time, freedom, etc. And the moment that you love something more than God, it becomes an idol.

 "Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth."

I don't know about you, but I want to be ready when Jesus asks me to do something. I don't want to walk away sad because he asked me to move to China and sell all my possessions. Believe it or not, there are missionaries all around the world right now that have answered God's call to do that very thing. They gave up their freedom in some cases; they gave up time with their family, left their homes, left their lives....just to GIVE to someone else.

Image borrowed from http://maryjaneryan.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/givingredclothheart.jpeg

This is something that I want you to really think about. Really consider what you are willing to give for the sake of Christ.

I will tell you that my time in Australia was life changing....my other mission trips to Mexico and Slovakia were life changing as well. The reason? I gave.

There is nothing that feels better than to give unselfishly to someone else knowing you will not receive something back in return. And I am not just talking about money...nor am I just talking about global missions. 

What are you doing right now where you are?

Are you a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a smile for a stranger, a warm meal for the sick, a carpool for a co-worker? Think about the people around you. Do you know someone that is in need? How about someone that is hurting?

Luke 21 The Widow's Offering  1 "As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.[a] 3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Life is too short to think about ourselves. Life is too short to be looking more closely at our bank accounts than the condition of our hearts.

Are you ready? Will you be someone that gave? Will you change someone else's life because you were available for God?

What gets in the way?

One thing to note is that Satan doesn't want us to help each other. He doesn't want us to be kind, loving, generous, or anything that resembles Jesus. So, he will try his best to distract you and whisper lies that prevent you from following in Jesus' footsteps.

He will tell you that you can't afford to help a widow buy food for her children. He will say that you don't have the time to help someone fix their car. He will say you can't get involved in someone's problems so you aren't there when they need a friend.

Chances are, you have already faced some of these lies. Satan is the master of lies.

But praise God that He gave us the power to demolish ALL strongholds. He gave us the power to stomp Satan under our feet and tell him he has no power in our lives.

God gave us the ability to give. So, I challenge you to kick satan in the face and give to those around you. I promise you won't regret it.

Over and Out!

Are you listening?

I recently read an article entitled "Listen and be heard with 'walkie-talkie management" by Anne Milkovich. In the article, Milkovich is speaking about communication skills for managers. One of her main points is that we should train ourselves to communicate as if we are on a walkie talkie. You speak clearly...then you wait for a response. 

This is a wonderful idea for dealing with employees, co-workers, and even family members. However, do you think you effectively listen for a response during prayer?

Milkovich said, "When we think of communication skills, we tend to think in terms of how well we talk. But in fact, listening is really what determines good walkie-talkie skills. People are more interested in being heard than in hearing. Fight this tendency in yourself as you capitalize on it in others."

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Often times when I am speaking to someone and mention that God revealed something to me, I get a strange look. The strangest look of them all comes when I say that God spoke to me. "He actually SPOKE to you?" some people might say. My answer, "Yes. He spoke to me".

The reason a lot of people claim they've never heard God is they don't know how to recognize His voice.

God speaks in many different ways (some of the following content was borrowed from http://www.allaboutprayer.org/hearing-gods-voice.htm):

1) The Bible: In his book Knowing God, J. I. Packer says, "God has spoken to man, and the Bible is His Word, given to us to make us wise unto salvation."

2) Our thoughts: Ever have a thought just pop into your mind and you couldn't figure out how it got there? Often times this is God urging you to do something.

3) Our conversations with others: Ever have a friend lend a shoulder to cry on during a hard time? Ever meet a stranger that had just the right words to say? Sometimes God designs "Holy Moments" and uses others to speak to us.

There are many more ways God speaks. To find a complete list of ways God can speak to us, I recommend buying the book "101 Ways God Speaks (And How to Hear Him) by Sandy Warner at http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/101-ways-god-speaks-%28and-how-to-hear-him%29/2012106.

God is constantly speaking to us, His children. It is our responsibility to listen and obey.

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In order to effectively listen, we must get rid of all "static" in the conversation. This can include the TV show you have on in the background, your pre-conceived thoughts on God, your emotions, your sins, your thoughts, etc. etc. etc.

Here is my suggestion: If you are yearning to hear the voice of God, make yourself available. Get rid of these distractions; go to your quiet place or "prayer closet" as some would call it. 

There is a song about entering the presence of God. It describes it as physically walking through the sanctuary into the most holy place. I like to think of it that way when I pray. I try to remember that I am in the presence of the Most High...it is a lot easier to remain quiet and listen when you understand that the one you are speaking to created the Universe. He might just have more knowledge than me.

The song is called "Take Me In" - by Kutless. I challenge you to look this song up and listen with your eyes shut. Try to imagine walking into the presence of God. There is nothing more powerful than that.

Take me past the outer courts

Into the holy place

Past the brazen altar

Lord I want to see your face

Pass me by the crowds of people

The priests who sing your praise

I hunt and thirst for your righteousness

But it's only found in one place

Take me in to the holy of holies

Take me in by the blood of the lamb

Take me in to the holy of holies

Take the coal, touch my lips, here I am

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Psalm 119:60

"I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands."

There is one thing to point out here. When God tells you to do something, you should do it without delay. When you are in-tune with the Holy Spirit and recognize his tug on your heart, He can ask you to do anything at anytime without any warning. The closer you get to God, the easier it will be to obey without second guessing Him.

Believe me, it will be worth it to follow His direction. He has it all figured out already.

Conclusion

Tell me why it's easier to take advice from a television show or radio program that it is to take advice from God. Why is it that when we have the world on the other end of the walkie talkie, we turn the volume up and when God's on the other end, we turn it down? The answer: it is a whole lot easier to do what the world suggests because no one will oppose you. But when we follow God, the reward will be 10 times greater.

Let's all practice our listening skills and turn the volume up for God.

Into

Ansel Adams once said, "Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."

For those of you that aren't familiar with him, Ansel Adams is a famous photographer. I thought this quote was perfect for what I have to talk about in this article. Whether you are a photographer, a dancer/singer, a stay-at-home wife or mother, or maybe a web designer, God wants you to be able to use your skills for His glory. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing your hard work was seen by God Almighty and that he is pleased with what you've done.

"In Glacier National Park" By: Ansel Adams

One of the hardest parts about making yourself available to God to use your gifts and talents is that it also includes making yourself available to Change. Change can be a scary word to some people. It can mean doing things we are uncomfortable doing, or at least not what we're used to doing. It can mean moving to another city or even another country. It can mean quitting a job or starting a new one. Perhaps, it may mean you need to take a role of leadership when you don't feel equipped to do so. Most likely, it will involve you stepping out in faith, in one way or another.

Isaiah 42:9

"See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you."

In light of the Easter holiday coming up, with spring in the air...I thought I might introduce a "Change" of season. No, I don't mean finally going from winter to spring. What I am referring to involves your mind, body and spirit. Allowing God to walk you into a new season involves courage and dedication. It involves your faith and trust in God.

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http://www.starting-gate.com/media/images/site_library/6_series_ready.jpg

When I started this magazine, I got a lot of different reactions from people. Some were excited and cheered me on, while others were harsh and told me to get a "real" job. For those of you that have been listening to the will of God, you know what I am talking about. Sometimes, God calls us to a lonely road. Sometimes, He calls us to a tough road....especially to roads rarely walked. However, once you've heard the will of God, it is your duty to follow and obey. Eleneor Roosevelt said, "When you have decided what you believe, what you think must be done,have the courage to stand alone and be counted."

Being Ready

Luke12:35

[ Watchfulness ] "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,

There are times when I feel so unfit for the calling that God has given me. But, one thing I always remind myself of, is that He doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. If I wasn't ready, I might have missed what God wanted to share with me.

It is our duty as His children to be equipped and ready when He comes.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Do you feel that you are ready to hear what God is directing you to do? Are you ready to allow Him to move you into the next season of your life?

How to Prepare

Ephesians 6:18

And 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.

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If you read the rest of Ephesians 6, you will notice that the Bible speaks of the "Armor of God". I challenge you to take a look and study that portion greatly. It may help you greater understand the term "Spiritual Warfare". If you are alert, the Devil (who is preying around like a lion for someone to devour) will have no power.

You want to know how to prepare? The answer is simple, and maybe a little bit cliché: Read your Bible & Study it, Pray on ALL occasions, and OBEY the Lord your God.

Don't Be Fooled

The world will tell you that there are many ways to God. They will say that any religion can get you to heaven, because there are so many roads to get there. The answer is: That is just not true.

There is one narrow road that will take you to God...and that road is named Jesus.

I challenge you. If you have never accepted Jesus into your heart, today is the day. Don't allow Satan to have one more day holding the keys to your heart. If you allow Jesus to speak to you and make yourself available, He can use you in miraculous ways.

Let's all be ready for God to Spring us into Change.

What's Your Sign?

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Throughout the centuries, people around the world have asked so many questions. Who will I marry? Should I invest in this stock? What job is right for me? Should I move to another state?

Some people leave it to chance and hope it works out. Some go to God and pray that He will help them make the right decision. But, sadly, others will go to a Psychic or Medium to get their answers.

"Now, what is so wrong with that?" some of you may ask.

Deut. 4:19 And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.

Image borrowed from www.astrology-online.com/dailyhoroscopes.htm

 Deut. 18:10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in a the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft,  11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.  12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.  13 You must be blameless before the Lord your God.

I don't know about you, but anytime I read that something is "detestable to the Lord", I don't want any part of it.

So many people, including some Christians, think that reading a daily horoscope does no harm. They might say, "it's only for fun. I don't think it really tells my future". However, when we entertain things that are of the Devil, we welcome him in to our minds and into our homes.

The scary part of this is that often horoscopes can seem to be accurate. Why do you think that people read them, after all?

A common theme in most of my blogs is to inform the reader of a war. No, not a physical war...a spiritual one. There is a battle going on in the spiritual realm for each and every one of us. Satan does his homework. Of course, he might give some accurate information to the demons involved in your daily horoscope.

God is the ONLY one that knows your future. His will is what you should be interested in.

Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path"

Psalm 139:2-6 

 2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

       you perceive my thoughts from afar.

 3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

       you are familiar with all my ways.

 4 Before a word is on my tongue

       you know it completely, O LORD.

 5 You hem me in—behind and before;

       you have laid your hand upon me.

 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

       too lofty for me to attain.

A little article like this one cannot possibly explain the love that God has for you, but here is my attempt.

I urge you with strict conviction to stay away from astrology, horoscopes, and palm readers, tarot cards, and psychics. The God that created you gave you this same warning.

Reading your horoscope may seem to be harmless and give you your entertainment for the day, but remember you aren't the only one being entertained.

I end this topic with one scripture. It should give you clarity and hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Let's decide to ask God about our future, and trust him with it.

Psalm 51:10 (New International Version)

 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,

       and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

What does it mean to be steadfast, you may ask?

According to Dictionary.com, Steadfast means

1. fixed in direction; steadily directed: a steadfast gaze.

2. firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person: a steadfast friend.

3. unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc.

4. firmly established, as an institution or a state of affairs.

5. firmly fixed in place or position.

Does any of this sound familiar?

Romans 4:20 (New International Version) 20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God."

It is a very common thing to experience moments of weakness or grief. We have all had someone or something disappoint us. We have all had a moment where we thought there was no light at the end of the tunnel. But, what God promises is that He will strengthen us in our weakness if we choose to remain steadfast in the dry seasons of our life.

Jean Meenen/Fremont said it best in her article "LETTER: We must remain steadfast"  posted in FremontTribune.com, "We have been proud of our country, of our freedom to decide what we want to do. Christianity is definitely a part of our country, but it is being attacked, ignored and abused by those who do not believe in God. What can we do? We must depend on God to protect us. We must ask for His support. Those who do not believe may see our steadfastness and join us in our service to Him.Let’s try to be steadfast. Our love for our children and country demands it."

The image above is borrowed from steadfastfanclub.com/default.aspx

Now some of you may not agree with the political part of this quote, but one thing I hope you agree with is the fact that if we are steadfast, Christ will be there to help us with whatever we are going through.

I know it is a simple message that we all think we understand, but there is so much more to it than just knowing it. It's practicing "being steadfast" and asking God to help us understand what it really means. I know that in this transitional part of my life, I am understanding day by day what it means to full rely on him and to not lose hope or the excitement for God's plan in my life

Simple Message, Difficult to swallow.

Just a word of encouragement if you are in a "dry season" today:

In David Wilkerson Today, the author says, "God is urging us through this verse [Isaiah 49]:

“Stop passing a verdict over your work for me. You have no business judging how effective you’ve been. And you have no right to call yourself a failure. You don’t yet know what kind of influence you’ve had. You simply don’t have the vision to know the blessings that are coming to you.” Indeed, we won’t know many such things until we stand before him in eternity."

Let's try to remain steadfast, no matter the season.