Monday, August 24, 2009

This far; No further.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)



In Star Trek 8: First Contact, Capt Picard has had enough with retreating from the enemy. Last night we took a stand in our household. Our pastor challenged us to pray as a family to turn the tide. In service, I thought I would wait and see what my wife says, but sometime during the day I decided to ANNOUNCE we would do it.

I'll be honest it was a bit awkward because I was expecting protests but how can fellow Christians disagree to gather together and pray? All of us knew our home needs it. So at 9PM I gathered everyone in the living room and started out. I began to pray boldly asking Christ to change the dynamics of our home. Then Judy prayed in agreement and then Josh took a turn. We then all prayed again.

God exceeded my low expectations. We agreed and lifted up our home in prayer and just asked God to change patterns of conduct which broke down barriers - or at least fractured them. Afterwards we talked like we haven't in a long time. Conversations flowed and I could tell our simple step of obedience blessed us.

So if the enemy is advancing and even friends are saying give up, I recommend you draw a line in the sand and say no more. I believe our house will never be the same. We may stumble, we may fall down, but we won't give up.

How about you?

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

How Much Does God Love You?

John 17:23
"...and that you love them as much as you love me." (NLT)

"...and have loved them even as you have loved me." (NIV)

"...and loved them, even as You have loved Me" (NASB)

"...and loved them In the same way you’ve loved me." MSG

This verse astounds me. I stumbled upon it while my time in Germany was winding down. I was a little disappointed in how things had turned out. Then I hit this verse.

Jesus was praying for us (those believers to come) and in His prayer, He utters these words. Saying that the Father loves us in the same manner as He loves JESUS. He's talking about US. Loving struggling believers and JESUS the perfect ONE in the SAME MANNER. How awesome is that? Hope it blesses you!