Prayer

A SUGGESTION

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A SUGGESTION

I want to pass on what could strengthen your prayer life. In Ephesians Chapter 6 there is some advice that should be considered as part of our prayer time. In fact, I recommend you start your prayer time every day by putting yourself in this prayer. Praying the Scriptures has the power of God.

Putting on the armour of God represents the defense we must take in our spiritual lives. Satan is out to destroy any action we take as Christians. We must realize that we are defenseless against him on our own. Only through Jesus.  It is important that we understand how dangerous this battle is.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

In the book of Daniel, a prayer of Daniel was delayed 3 weeks (Daniel 10:10-14) because the devil fought the angel delivering the answer. Could this be happening to your prayers?

If we don’t follow God’s advice, we can’t expect much in return. Be strong in the Lord and in His power. Put on the armour of God so we can stand against the wiles of the devil.

When you invited Jesus into your life, you became heirs of all He has. The armour is part of what you can have if you desire. It’s your choice.

The following prayer was not written by me. I’m just passing in on. I suggest you begin your daily prayer by repeating it without fail.

Jesus loves you and so do I.

HEAVENLY FATHER, Your warrior prepares for battle. Today I claim victory over Satan by putting on the whole armor of God.

I PUT ON THE GIRDLE OF TRUTH! May I stand in the truth of your Word so I will not be a victim of Satan’s lies.

I PUT ON THE BRESTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS! May it guard my heart from evil so I will remain pure and holy, protected under the blood of Jesus Christ.

I PUT ON THE SHOES OF PEACE! May I stand firm in the Good News of the Gospel so Your peace will shine though me and be a light to all I encounter.

I TAKE THE SHIELD OF FAITH! May I be ready for Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, denial, and deceit so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.

I PUT ON THE HELMET OF SALVATION! May I keep my mind focused on You so Satan will not have a stronghold on my thoughts.

I TAKE THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT! May the two-edged sword of your Word be ready in my hands so I can expose the tempting words of Satan.

By faith your warrior has put on the whole armor of God.

I am prepared to live this day in spiritual victory!

AMEN

BROKENNESS

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BROKENNESS

There are several definitions of brokenness. I want to look at the Biblical reference of the subject.

Brokenness, in God’s eyes, is being so crushed by the sin darkness of the world that we recognize there is no place to turn but to God.

You may ask why should we go through brokenness? When we are broken, God transforms our sinful lives into something that gives Him glory. In other words, you give Him the ability to clean you up, He puts His righteousness in you, and gets you headed in the right direction.

You and I will never meet God in revival until we first meet Him in brokenness. 

Important examples of brokenness is where Jesus went through agony at Gethsemane as stated in Mark 14:32-42, Matthew 27:45-46, Also, in Hebrews 2:18, where it says that Jesus was broken and suffered so that could relate to our needs.

When God created man, He gave human beings the power to make choices regarding their destiny. He did so that He would not be dictating their lives. We now have the responsibility to make choices. So,  if you make a bad choice and things go bad, don’t blame God.

Some choices you will make or not are, believing and receiving Jesus as Savior or not? The choice is yours. Is my name written in the Book of Life or not? The choice is yours. Reading, studying, believing, and following what the Bible says or not? The choice is yours. Some choices may be easy, and some may be difficult. The  eternal road to God’s Kingdom will cause some unwilling to go off course and chose another eternal destiny.

It appears that the present generation has been programmed to pursue happiness in whatever form to satisfy their pleasures. I can assure you that God is not interested in this direction as that kind of happiness will not last. God is more interested in making us like His Son Jesus. That is the pathway to holiness with humility and brokenness. God’s eternal kingdom is the opposite of what we have here on earth where satan has access to our lives.

Brokenness is a choice. Brokenness is not a feeling; rather, it is a choice, an act of our will. In most cases it is not a one-time experience. It most likely is an ongoing process.

If you don’t make a choice, you have made a choice!

What does God say about choices? According to Galatians 6:7-9, whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. A man reaps what he sows.

God is urging us to make serious and deliberate choices toward the conclusion of His purpose. He requires us to commit and make decisions. Remaining neutral is not an option. His issues are plainly defined: obedience vs. disobedience, life vs. death, good vs. evil. Every one of us have a choice: we can make excuses or follow God’s instructions as outlined in the Bible. God created us so we are free to follow Jesus or free to follow satan. It is a choice you make. If you make the wrong choice, who is going to be your advocate?

Scripture tells us that Jesus is close to those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit. In our brokenness, it is important to know that we are not alone and that there is great hope. You may think the Scriptures are all rules and regulations. That is far from the truth. They have many purposes; one is to help you overcome satan’s temptations and lies. The most important is to have Jesus and His gift of salvation.

Have you ever noticed that test and trials, tend to draw us closer to God? That’s because subconsciously we realize, we cannot overcome it, in it of yourselves. Our power or intellect cannot make our current struggle, pain, anxiety go away completely. It can only offer temporary relief.  

We need Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30 says “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Deuteronomy 30:15–20 NKJV 15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 rI announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. 19 sI call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that tI have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your ulife and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers,


In our brokenness, it is important to know that we are not alone and that there is great hope. God has provided us with the  scriptures to encourage us when we have lost our way and to keep us going. 

The following paragraphs are some definitions of characteristics of broken people.

Broken people know that they can’t do anything of eternal value in their own strength. They understand only as they rest in Jesus Christ and allow Him to do His work in them and through them.

Broken people are Kingdom-oriented. They understand that what truly matters is getting to know God and getting to know who I am in Him as stated in Matthew 6:33.

Broken people have laid down their rights in front of God. They understand in reality that God is the giver of all good things. God has provided everything that sustains your life. They are grateful when important things occur in their lives but accept the fact that life does not turn out the way they would like it to be.

Broken people do not have to know everything, have a plan, being in control, and know everything that’s going on. They rest in Jesus Christ trusting Him to know and choose what they need to know.

Broken people cease doing things their way and learn to do them God’s way instead. Through their submissiveness, Atonement can take effect and true repentance can occur.

These are a few of the characteristics that God is making a difference through.

 God uses broken things and broken people to do great things. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are looking for those that will make a choice for them. Will you make the right choice or not?

I want to point out a couple especially important Bible verses that require a choice.

Acts 4:13 KJV says that, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name (Jesus Christ) under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

There is only one name to whom God has given authority by which one can experience salvation and that is Jesus. No one else has that power or authority.

In Revelation 20:12 KJV, stated that: and I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the BOOK of LIFE: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

I would say that what is written in those verses are what choices people have made or did not make in their life here on earth. Again, I ask, Have you made the right choices or not? It is never too late as long as you are still breathing.

In closing, I pray that everyone will really consider the relationship they have with Jesus Christ. God wants you to freely give yourself over to Him. He created you and wants you to be part of His eternal family. Many have ignored the Bible, Jesus’ invitation, due to their choice of what you think of what you will give up. What you will give up is nothing compared to what God offers you in exchanged. It is either what God offers or what the  devil offers you. I guarantee you won’t like the latter. It will be your choice or not.

Many people have said that they will make a choice tomorrow. Proverbs 27:1 NIV Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Do what you need to do today. Don’t wait to receive Jesus. Don’t put off doing the will of God.

Today, Jesus said, “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

Psalms 51 is a prayer that can help you along the way. It’s a choice!

Jesus loves you  and so do I.

OUR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

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I did not write the following post, and I do not know the author, but I thought it is worth reposting due to the way our children and young people seem to be headed. Yes, I came out off the old school where we were taught about God. We recited the Lord’s prayer in school along with the pledge of allegiance to flag of the United States of America. Today, both are gone and look at how society is going. Whether you are a parent, grandparent or great grandparent, follower of Jesus or not I want to assure you that God is real, and Hell is real. There is coming a time in everyone’s life when they will come to know the truth. I pray that that those that disregard God’s warnings and instructions come to see the truth. Everything you have at your disposal comes from God’s source. God’s source includes everything He has provided by his grace. That includes the precious children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. My question is, what are you teaching them? What are they learning from you? Yes, someday you will answer to the Creator for what they have learned. It is never too late to reverse the way they are going. God loves you so much He gave His Son, Jesus Christ to die for you so you can receive His blessings. Jesus loves you and so do I.  Dean Stuyvesant

DEUTERONOMY 6:6-7 NKJ 6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 “You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

God holds all parents responsible for teaching their children. But that does not require some formal approach to instruction. The best way is a natural flow of information as we go through life.

God’s Word tells us that teaching our children should happen during the normal events of daily life. We can illustrate truth and apply it to what happens every day, just as Jesus did with His disciples.

We must also realize that everything our children see us do in life is also unintentionally teaching them. Whatever they see you do is a lesson your children are watching and learning from.

If you never speak of God and His Word, it communicates to your children that God is not very important to you. If you don’t read your Bible, don’t expect your children to read the Bible.

It is also important to mean what you say and say what you mean — to always tell the truth. If your children know you don’t keep your word, they won’t expect God to keep His Word either. So, if you tell your child something, either do it, or ask their forgiveness for not keeping your word.

Don’t try to leave the responsibility for teaching your children about God to someone else. You may not feel qualified, but God will help you. Just be honest with God and honest with your children, and you will make progress with both.

Happy New Year to all my Family, Friends, Military, Law Enforcement, First Responders, and to those that are unknown reading this greeting. As we say goodbye to a passing year and decade, we say hello to a new beginning. Do not look back on the past year but look ahead for what God has planned for you. Your future is not in the new year but what lies in our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the one who makes life new when you receive Him as your Lord and Savior. Seek the things of God and He will bless your new year. Proverbs 3:5-7 (KJV) 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil. You can make all the new year resolutions you want; most will be of no avail without surrendering your life to Jesus Christ. We live in a physical realm where most of our decisions are based on our 5 senses. God lives in a spiritual realm. God created you with a spirit. He also gave us the Holy Spirit. The purpose is so that we surrender our physical life to Jesus and join Him in the Spiritual realm. Look at what John 4:24 says; God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth. If there are times in your life you feel God is not listening or near, maybe you are trying to reach Him while you are in the physical realm which will cause a bad connection. All your answers are in a book of instructions called the Bible. If you want a great new year then I suggest you begin to read it and if you do read it, consider studying it, both within the spiritual realm. This also includes your prayer life. God is love and He loves you more than you love yourself. Also, I love you and pray that you seek the truth.

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Praying the Scriptures

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Praying Hands on Bible Free Photo

Praying the Scripture

Do you feel that your prayers have become repetitious or lack spiritual leadership? Have you felt that you are not sure what to pray for? Have you ask yourself, am I praying wrong? I am sure many people have ask these questions and many more regarding their prayer life.

Have you considered praying the scriptures? Before you jump into this method of prayer, you need to ask yourself, what is my relationship with God? The Bible is very clear regarding your praying to God. Just stop for a moment and ask, am I qualified to ask God for anything. Let us look at the Gospel of John 9:31 (NKJV) now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.

There is one prayer that God does hear from sinners and that is the sinner’s prayer for salvation. That salvation only comes through His Son, Jesus Christ. Gospel of John 3:16-17 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

It is so important to understand God. What He is and what He does and what He has done. This can only be understood by reading and studying the Bible. God gave man a free will to choose their way of life. God wants people to come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. God wants a family that loves Him like He loves us. God hates sin. God’s love is a merciful love because He wants everyone to come to repentance because we are all sinners. God’s invitation to salvation is for everyone. Whether we choose His way or not is up to us. This means not everyone will be saved because God will not ignore sin.

Many people believe that prayer and Bible study are separate spiritual practices. They can be but they can also be combined as one. Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s Word is alive and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword. When you speak and pray the Scriptures, you are coming into agreement with God. His power is released in answer to our petitions. You will build your faith and confidence in your prayer life by being in harmony with God. You will deepen your relationship with Him. Your prayers will become more powerful when you pray the Scriptures.

Your confidence will strengthened because you will know that you are in God’s will when you pray God’s own words. God’s Word will become personal as you put yourself, someone else or something into a verse and lift it up to God. You will feel a closer relationship with Him. Instead of struggling with doubts about your prayers, come to realize that praying the scriptures you are aligning yourself with the Holy Spirit

Do you realize that from Genesis through Revelation, the Bible is full of prayers that will strengthen your faith, understanding God, and your spiritual life? Have you felt at times your prayers have become repetitious? Is there something in your life that is a special need, such as healing, some one’s salvation, decisions, or some other matter. The scriptures covers every circumstance that you encounter in this life. The Bible encourages us to follow God’s way so that He can bless you beyond your imagination. If only we would let Him instead of trying to control our lives. Sin revolves around our desires.

Praying the scriptures becomes our tutor on how we learn to communicate with God. The Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 is an example of teaching us how to pray. Many people have prayed these verses without realizing they were praying the scriptures. 1 John 5:14 (KJV) and this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. Praying the scriptures gives us confidence and tells us we are in His will since we are using God’s own words. I believe God hastens to perform a request on His own words.

The whole Book of Psalms is a prayer book although the whole Bible is a prayer book and there many examples that will fit your needs. It does not take long to read a verse or two. Meditate on a verse and the let it become personal where you put your name, someone else’s name or some other request within the verse. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. It may seem awkward at first but as you learn it will become easy and comfortable to you. It is important that you pray the scriptures out loud because the spoken Word of God will cause action.

Romans 10:17 (NKJV)  So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Something that I believe hinders prayers is that there is a lack of knowledge and understanding what God wants for us to know. The main element of our relationship with God is faith. The 11th chapter of Hebrews illustrates this. Because of lack of knowledge or the subdued teaching in some churches, it is believed that healing is not available today. I believe that everything that belongs to Jesus Christ belongs to those who have been born again. Jesus took sickness and diseases to the cross and they were crucified with Him on the cross. There are plenty of examples of people receiving healing, raised from the dead and many other blessing in today’s world. All because of faith.

I would suggest that you follow an order for praying the scriptures such as beginning with Praise to God. Confession of sins, Read the Word, Intercession on behalf of someone, Petition for yourself, Pray the Word, Thanksgiving, Meditate, Listen for God to speak, and then Praise Him and thank Him again in conclusion. It is recommended that you spend at least 5 minutes in each area to begin with. Don’t rush through them. This is only a suggestion. I highly suggest you depend on the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

God loves you and so do I.