Musings•
on January 27th, 2006•
I was checking out Kirk Franklin’s blog and came across this news…
“In a shocking revelation to the gospel music listenership of Los Angeles , Award-winning gospel recording artist Tonex told Aundrae Russell that he is retiring from the gospel music industry. The popular, cutting edge artist was invited by Aundrae Russell, host of the SPREAD THE WORD gospel music program to talk about his participation in the BET Gospel Celebration. He mentioned the highly anticipated television taping, but then shocked the world and Aundrae with the revelation that he is retiring from the industry. Tonex went on to describe his bewilderment in the short-comings he has beheld in gospel music.”
Listen to the audio at KJLH Radio.
His presence will be missed! I have personally enjoyed his music. Very interesting conversation on gospel music, church and divorce.
Musings•
on January 17th, 2006•
We started a new study today, The Power of Praying Together by Stormie Ormatian and Jack Hayford. This book comes with a study guide which really makes reading the book a valuable experience.
Here is a little more about the book…
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Stormie Omartian’s previous books have centered on individual prayer that lifts up spouses, children, national needs, and personal growth. In her newest book, The Power of Praying™ Together, Stormie and her longtime pastor, Jack Hayford, look at the benefits and power of praying with others. Readers will discover how to:
- find a prayer partner
- create a prayer group
- tap into the power of a praying church
- unite in prayer as a nation
- cover the world in prayer
More than just a “how to” book, The Power of Praying™ Together helps readers discover that when they are willing to link their hearts with others before God, they open themselves up to a wider, more interactive world of prayer.
This is the third women’s bible study that I have had the opportunity to facilitate and I’m really looking forward to the next few months. I have to admit I have been shy about asking for prayer requests. Really this is something as Christians that we should do. I hope to share some highlights from the book in the coming months.
Musings•
on January 5th, 2006•
My bible study group is about to start a new study. I passed out a list of books for those interested in reading more about prayer. Here is the list, if you are interested as well.
- A Busy Woman’s Guide to Prayer by Cheri Fuller
- Breakthrough Prayer by Jim Cymbala
- Intercessory Prayer Study Guide by Dutch Sheets
- Lord, Teach Me To Pray in 28 Days by Kay Arthur (bible study)
- Praying God’s Word by Beth Moore
- Prayers that Avail Much by Germaine Copeland (classic)
- Prayer: Too Busy Not To Pray by Bill Hybels (bible study)
- The 21 Most Effective Prayers of the Bible by Dave Earley
- The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Ormartian
- The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omatian
- The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian
- The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson
- The Prayer That Changes Everything by Stormie Omartian
Devotions•
on January 3rd, 2006•
We are starting a new study on prayer in a few weeks in our bible study class. Tonight I prepared a study on our personal prayer lives. The study was based on the following passages, Luke 11:1-13 and Matthew 6:5-15, where we find the Lord’s Prayer. I’m including some of my notes and scripture references.
Some points to consider about your personal prayer life:
POINT 1: PRAYER is an absolute necessity.
–> Read Luke 11:1
Jesus being from heaven, came down and humbled himself, by taking on the form of man. He often went off alone to pray. In this particular instance either the disciples saw him praying or they knew when he went to this certain place that he was praying. Being with Jesus 24 hours a day, obviously they knew something was different about him after prayer time. They wanted that. They ask Jesus, “Lord, Teach Us To Pray.”
POINT 2. You should have a CERTAIN PLACE where you pray.
–> Read Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:5-6
While we can pray anywhere at anytime, it is still important to have a certain place to meet with God. Do you have a certain place, a prayer closet – someplace special where you can meet for a “face to face” with God?
POINT 3. Not sure where to start, follow a prayer model.
–> Luke 11:2-4, Matthew 6:9-13
As a new Christian we probably were not sure how to pray. Folks that have been Christians or saved for some time are not quite sure about prayer. They may tend to ask others to pray for them or depend on the prayer time on Sunday morning. The same way people depend on hearing the word only from the preacher on Sunday, they tend to think of prayer in the same way. At some point as you grow in your Christian walk, you will develop your own prayer style, but you can’t stay on the excuse, “I don’t know how to pray.” Jesus provides the way and we need to DO IT!
POINT 4. Make sure nothing hinders your prayers.
–> Matthew 6:14-15, Hebrews 12:15
If you need to forgive someone, find a way to do it. Someone makes you angry, find a way to deal with the anger. Don’t let yourself grow bitter and resentful. In Hebrews 12:15, it states you must watch for “any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble” The devil is like a roaring lion seeking who he can devour. He can not touch our salvation, but he can cause you to feel or become separated from God. Don’t let him! Resist the devil and he will flee.
POINT 5. Be bold. “With God all things are possible.”
–> Luke 11:5-13, Matthew 19:26, James 4:2
Prayer is true walk of faith. Circumstances might seem hopeless, unchangeable and obstacles may seem impossible – Jesus wants us to ask in boldness. You have not, because you ask not (James 4:2).
Devotions•
on January 2nd, 2006•
This year I chose a theme for 2006. I’m real big on themes and special “words.” Last year I struggled with “faith.” Certain situations that seemed to never change no matter how hard I prayed became discouraging. I felt so down in the dumps, I just wanted to withdraw into a corner. I felt like a phony walking around with a smile on my face when on the inside I felt so crummy. I asked God “why” more times than I care to admit. I’m so thankful for his grace and patience. In our moments of struggle, God truly does reach out to us. I came across a scripture a few months ago that really leapt off the page at me. I keep it on my nightstand. It is such a beautiful verse because of the visualness it brings to mind.
“I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains”. — Habakkuk 3:18-19 NLT
