Book five here.
Book four here.
Book three here.
Book two here.
Book one here.
This is a continuation of my practice to take notes on what I prayed.
Chapter One
Coming up on 6 months since I committed to pray every morning at church.
Book three here.
Book two here.
Book one here.
This is a continuation of my practice to take notes on what I prayed.
Chapter One
Coming up on 6 months since I committed to pray every morning at church.
1. Some say that you can't do something until this or that happens. "Can't " is a word that should never be used about you.
2. Grace is not the father being nice to the undeserving. Grace is his desire to be near. To claim I don't deserve your nearness is an insidious form of pride.
3. I have attended more than 2000 Sunday services in my life. We sing a few songs, do announcements, takre the offering, sermon, done. With rare exceptions, that is church. Over and over again.
I've just about reached my limit. The routine, the powerlessness, the superficiality. Something must change. Holy Spirit we need you so much!
4. The crucial step towards Christian maturity is to get past myself. This is the same crucial step to be a worshiper. And an intercessor. And a servant.
Hmm. Apparently, getting past myself is crucial for everything.
5. So many Christians believe things that simply aren't true.
- Jesus didn't die in our place. He is the Lamb of God whose shed blood washed us clean.
- Jesus wasn't punished by the father. His blood alone was enough for the father.
- Jesus didn't die to pay for our sins. He died to pay for us.
- The father never abandoned or turned away from the son on the cross.
6. 1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God
It's better to repent now than later.
7. Psalm 42:5 Why are you downcast, my soul; why do you groan within me? Wait for God, for I shall again praise him, my savior and my God
I lift my eyes up to you; I will not be downcast. My hope is in you and you do not disappoint.
What else can I do? Where else would I go? There is no other savior. You alone have the words of life.
8. Holy Spirit is about to cleanse his Church so that it will carry the glorious power and presence of God to the nations.
Heb. 10:19-22 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith...
9. Oh, how it's time for this church to break loose! Oh, how it's time for to shake off everything that entangles! Oh, that we would truly understand the promises he has made to us!
I call forth faith!
I call forth boldness!
I call forth the warriors, the worshipers, and the intercessors!
I call forth the healers and evangelists!
Rise up, church! Take your place! If not us, then who? If not now, then when? If not here, then where?
Rom. 13:11 ... it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
10. Sometimes I talk too much with you when I should be listening.
I can see the benefit of getting alone in a quiet place with no music and no distractions. Just silence.
At first my mind wanders. But as I persist over a few weeks the buzz in my mind fades. The peace replaces the to-do list. It seems like I can almost sense the glory. I hear words that have no sound. You've been speaking to me all along but I just couldn't hear because of the noise.
I start to pray, but after a while I stop. Father says, "Let's just sit a while." I'm ok with that. True friends can just be silent and it's not awkward.
11. I have various regrets for the dumb things I've said or did over the years. Sometimes it seems like I'm no better than I was years ago. But as I think about it, your sanctifying work in me has made great progress. I need more, but I'm grateful I'm not that man anymore.
12. Back in college the class was obligated to wait for up to 20 minutes for the professor to arrive. That was because of the respect due his position.
How long should I wait for the creator of the the universe to arrive? Well, as long as it takes.
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
13. Don't stop watering the seed.
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