Friday, December 19, 2008

A Christmas Meditation and Prayer

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Luke 2:7


In Luke 2:7 The Bible says: “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”


As we approach the Christmas season we celebrate the birth of Christ. We focus on Christ, as our King, and His birth in a stable. What is the significance of His birth in a stable?


A stable is a place where animals including sheep were kept and many lambs were probably born in a stable. Have you ever thought that it was fitting and symbolic that Christ was born in a stable? Christ is the Lamb of God. Being born in a stable was a true act of humility.


As we come to Christmas, let us remember His humble birth and thank God that Jesus is the Lamb who came to take our sin away.


Father, as we celebrate Christmas, thank you for sending Jesus, the Lamb of God, who came to take our sin away. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.









©2008 Lewis Turner

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Praying for Others-- to Bear Fruit

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Col 1:10


Do you find it satisfying when something that you have done that is productive, results in something good? I think we all do.


There is a prayer in the Bible that speaks about bearing fruit. It is found in Col 1:10. And it says: "bearing fruit in every good work." Bearing fruit is a result of being productive and God wants us to be productive about doing good and bringing about good. Did you know that when Christ chose us to serve Him, He wanted us to be productive? So why don’t we ask God when we pray for others, that they will be productive in their lives.


Father encourage us in our prayer for others, that we would pray that they will be productive, bringing forth eternal results, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Praying for Others-to Grow in the Knowledge of God

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Col 1:10


Do you long to see people have joy, peace, and God’s love in their lives? It can happen.


The Apostle Paul wanted the people to grow in the knowledge of God, and he prayed for it. (see Col 1:10) As we grow in the knowledge of God, our relationship God will grow and much will happen. We will find love will developing, joy coming, and greater peace and contentment. They come because of God’s Spirit helping us as we draw close to God.


We can also pray the same thing that the Apostle Paul prayed for others, that they will grow in the knowledge of God, and experience God's Spirit in helping them too.


Father, may we be committed to praying for other people that their relationship with you will grow and that they see the fruit of the spirit in their lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Praying for Others-for Joy

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John 15:11


How many people do you know who struggle at every challenge and are often overwhelmed? Many of these would probably say because they are overwhelmed, they have no joy.


Christ never wanted us to be long faced or have no joy. Throughout the New Testament, John the Apostle spoke of joy several times. John 15:11 says ‘These things have I spoken unto you…that your joy may be full. Those were the words of Christ. The Apostle Paul lists joy as a fruit of the Spirit, yet so many of us do not have that joy.


Did you know that you can pray for joy? Joy comes from God’s word working in our lives and obedience to pray.


Father, may we be strengthened by your word working in our lives and may Your joy be evident in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Praying for Others

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Did you know that when you pray for others, it invites God to work in the lives of others? Yes, you can help others through prayer.


When we pray for others, there may be some who will have healing; children who have rebelled may turn back to the Lord; people may find jobs that they need and you may see many other needs that you have prayed for met in the lives of people.


Through prayer for others, when from the heart and in line with God's word, will bring forth God's plan in others.


Father, may we be encouraged to continue in prayer for others in Jesus’ Name, amen.

Pray for pastors ‘Pray for us’

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I Thes 5:25


Did you ever think your pastors experiences discouragement?

Did you know they have many struggles that they don't shares?

Did you know that may do not have close friends and may be very lonely?

There are many things that can affect a pastor--negative comments, criticisms.

The list could go on.


If you were in your pastor’s shoes you would need supernatural help to handle their job well. The only way I know to get supernatural help from the Lord is to ask for it in prayer. Your prayers would help him have God's help and I will tell you something-- That means a lot to him.


Father, help us to keep our pastors lifted up before You. They need your presence to help them to be a pastor for us. In Jesus’ Name, amen.