“Preachy Prayers”

I want to start today’s blog out with Matthew 6: 5-8 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

You would be surprise at how many people pray to be heard by men and not by God. This is a serious problem in the church today. I like to call these types of prayers “Preachy Prayers”. Most preachers fall subject to preachy prayers, because they think it encourages the group. While it may energize the people you have to ask yourself, is God hearing you. If your aim is to energize the people that may just be the reward you will receive. But to reach God you can do without the hoop.

Battologeo means to stammer to repeat the same things over and over, to use many idle words, to babble, prate. Jesus warns us against this type of behavior. It must have been so bad in Jesus time that he had to tell them to go in the house and close the door when you pray. Trust me im not against corporate prayer, because I do believe in it, but we have to be careful of our motives during prayer time.

Jesus says in this passage that they think they will be heard by there many words. Jesus is telling us that it doesn’t take many words for him to hear you. During prayer if your heart and mind is focused on Jesus alone you will tap right in to the Throne of Heaven. If you search the scripture you will see that it didn’t take long for Jesus to get the manifestation of what he spoke. If Jesus wanted someone to be healed or the storm to cease like in Mark 4:39 all he would do is say a few words like Peace be still or get up and walk. We are the only ones that pray for two hours about the same thing. The scripture says our Father knows what we need before we even ask him.

Prayer is absolutely one of the most important tools a Christian needs in this walk with God. If your having a hard time finding the words to say in prayer, maybe you should asked God to teach you how to pray. Even if you have been a Christian for many years asking God to teach you isn’t a bad thing. Look at it this way in Luke 11 Jesus disciples didn’t know how to pray. They came to Jesus and said Lord teach us how to pray, and these where guys that spent a significant amount of time with Jesus.

So please saints lets not fall subject to praying to each other and let’s make sure we are trying to reach heaven when we pray. Next time you’re in corporate prayer try to focus on Jesus and him alone. The Bible says we are to always pray, in other wards practice make perfect.

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“An Apple Beside The Rod”

I want to start off with a quote from Martin Luther who was a famous Christian theologian and Augustinian monk whose teachings inspired the Protestant Reformation. “Keep an apple beside the rod to give the child when he does well.” Today’s blog is to express to leaders the importance of ENCOURAGEMENT and CORRECTION. Of course Christian discipline is needed to enable us to grow in reverence for God. But even discipline has to be presented in love. Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction”. Its seems that the church has the rebuke part but fails to embrace the encouraging part. I am not talking about all churches or even all Christian. But if you spend more time rebuking and correcting then you do encouraging then I am definitely talking to you. When Jesus came, he came preaching love. In Matthew 22 one expert of the law came to Jesus and asked him what is the greatest commandment in the Law. Jesus replied: " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus is saying the two greatest Commandments is love God and love people. As Christian we are quick to love God but slow to love people. It’s important that even in times of correction that we show love. As I stumbled across Martin Luther’s quote my mind went straight to the church. For far too long we have disciplined and not lifted people spirits. Now don’t get me wrong I don’t mind you stepping on my toes, but a true leader will step on your toes and not mess up your shoes. Titus 2:15 says “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority”. Leaders who constantly rebuke people are abusing there authority, and are probably lacking confidence in themselves. Sometimes rebuke isn’t the help that some people need. You will be surprised at how many people will change there ways if you showed them love and kindness. Let’s remember God loved us even when we were in our mess. Paul said at the end of Romans 2:4 “The goodness of God leads you to repentance”. If Gods uses love as a tool to lead man to repentance, why do we use rebuke? Its time for the church to re-evaluate what tools we are using to bring people to repentance. Lets stop using the rod more then we are using the apple, because the apple will probably be more effective.


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“Principles For A Healthy Christian Marriage”

A healthy Christian marriage is not easy to obtain. It is something that will take a committed effort on both spouses. A lot of times we think marriage will be easy because falling in love seemed easy. The truth is keeping your Christian marriage strong will take a on going effort. The great news is building a healthy marriage is not all that difficult, it just takes discipline and commitment.

The first principle in building a strong marriage is limit the amount of times you argue. I know that sounds easier said then done but it is true, don’t argue unless you absolutely have too. Most spouses argue because they want to get there point across. The problem is, you will make your point and loose you spouse. Proverbs 25:24 says “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife”. Quarrelsome means: To argue/disagree in an aggressive, angry way. When a woman likes to argue it sends the mans heart to the roof but his body will physically be with you. It’s nothing worst then having your man in the house but his heart be elsewhere. Instead of using energy to argue, use that same energy to have a conversation. Communication is a absolute must in a successful marriage.

The second principle is praying together. My wife and I usually pick the mornings as a good time to pray together. Have you ever heard the cliché “A family that prays together stays together”? My wife and I have found that to be true. Colossians 4:2 says “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful”. How is it that as Christian we find time to pray with everyone else except the person that we wake up with every morning? Lets stop making excuses and get on a prayer schedule with our spouses.

The third principle is set aside time each day, or at least once a week, to read the Bible together. Reading and discussing the Word is a great way to bring a marriage closer. I think my wife and I talk at least once a day about the Word. Sometimes she just wants to get my understanding of a scripture and sometimes I need to get hers. It’s truly an awesome way to grow together in God.

The forth and last principle is to Continue Dating. This is a very key principle in keeping the marriage healthy. This is important because as Christians its easy neglect the area of romance in the relationship due to church. YEAH I SAID IT, due to church! You can’t be so involved in church that your marriage suffers. Any good pastor will tell you to make sure home is taken care of first. My wife and I spend time together on a consistent basis. This may not always include going out on dates. Sometimes we will sit at home and just watch TV together. We like to call it “Date Night”. I don’t mean to toot my own horn but I believe I have a great Christian marriage and that is because my wife and I follow these principles.

Maybe your marriage is not where it should be; perhaps it is even headed for divorce. I encourage you to try these steps before making any final decision concerning your marriage. We serve a God that can fix ANYTHING. One of the biggest mistakes most people make in the midst of a marital crisis is to wait too long. Don’t wait another second to work on your marriage; God is saying work on it today. I leave you with a famous scripture found in Mark 10:9 “Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate".

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Religion Vs. Relationship

Religion is defined as A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship. Relationship is defined as A connection by blood or marriage; kinship. In today’s Blog I want to talk about the difference between Religion and Relationship. For far to long Christians have confused the two, “Religion and Relationship”. There is a major difference in being loyal to religion and being loyal in a relationship with Jesus. Its important to note that religion is man made and does not take the place of having a genuine relationship with Christ. The problem I have with religion is if your not careful it will fool you into thinking growth is taking place. A relationship with Jesus is the only thing that truly encourages growth. When searching the New Testament you will find that Jesus came against the Pharisees for there religous traditions. In Mark 7:9 Jesus said "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions”! It’s sad but many times that’s what religion does, it sets aside the flawless Word of God in order to keep its tradition. There are many things that I was taught in religion that is not hell sending. Many times Religion will leave you scratching your head and asking many questions that can not be answered. Growing in relationship with Jesus your questions will always be answered. 1 Corinthians 2:10 "God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God”.

Religion can leave you unfulfilled. Its almost like Chinese food, it taste good but an hour later you will be hungry again. A real relationship with Christ will always fill you up. He is truly the bread of life. John 4:14 "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst". I am convinced that many people think having a relationship with church is the same as having a relationship with Jesus. A true relationship with Jesus goes way beyond the four walls of your church. Religious teaching provides information about God. A relationship with Jesus enables us to actually know God.

Perhaps the first instance of organized religion can be found in Genesis chapter 11. The descendants of Noah organized themselves to build the tower of Babel instead of obeying God’s command. They believed that their unity was more important than their relationship with God. God stepped in and confused their languages, thus breaking up this organized religion. Please don’t get me wrong I don’t have a problem with religion, I have a problem when we promote religion and leave out relationship. Some religions are essentially nothing more than a list of rules, do’s and don’ts that a person must observe in order to be considered a faithful adherent of that religion. The two most common ingredients in religions are rules and rituals.

As we are closing I pray that you would ask God to strengthen your relationship with him. Ask him to separate you from mans rules and rituals and bring you into a deeper level in him. True religion is receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and thereby having a right relationship with God, and then doing things (rules and rituals) out of love for God and desire to grow closer to Him.

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"Woe Is Not Just For Horses"

When growing up I would often hear the word “Woe” used when a person was trying to get a horse to stop. In the movies this word woe had power, and always seems to work. Something very interesting caught my attention as I was reading a passage of scripture earlier. I was reading Paul’s writings in 1 Corinthians 9:16 he said “Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” I then decided to dig a little further in the scriptures concerning the word “Woe” . Did you know the word Woe is listed in the King James Bible 125 times? This word was used by many prophets as well as Jesus. I thought it would be interesting to list a few verses that had the word Woe in it. I think as believers we should train ourselves to immediately STOP when we read the word “Woe” in the scriptures. God is screaming too many of you today “WOE”, but instead of taking heed you are continuing on a path that could be destructive. If you find your situation below I pray that you would listen to the Word of the Lord and take heed. Hebrews 4:7 says "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

Jer.23 [1] Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!" declares the LORD.

Mic.2 [1] Woe to those who scheme iniquity, who work out evil on their beds! When morning comes, they do it, for it is in the power of their hands.

Zeph.3 [1] Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled!

Matt.23 [13] "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.

Luke 6: [25] Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.

Lam.5 [16] The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!

Mark.14 [21] The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

Rev.8 [13] As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: "Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!

Luke.17 [1] Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.

Job.10 [15] If I am guilty—woe to me! Even if I am innocent, I cannot lift my head, for I am full of shame and drowned in my affliction.

“Become A Better Disciples In 2010”

I have prayed about what I would like to do better is 2010 some would call this a New Years resolution. The first thing that popped in my spirit was to become a better disciple. For years now I have prayed for stuff that I really should be doing already. Like being a better man, or becoming a better friend. But this year I have decided I want God to make me a better disciple for him. A disciple is someone who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. Being a disciple requires you to push your agenda to the side for Christagenda. Contrary to what you may believe, Jesus did not die on the cross to push your agenda. Disciples are important in Gods Kingdom because we are the tool he chose to carry the message of salvation to all the people of the world. He included this as a command in His last words before His ascension to heaven in Matthew 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

As I'm learning and maturing in God I noticed that discipleship is an area I need to grow in. It's easy to think that we have made it because we know a few scriptures but knowing the scripture and living them are two separate entities. My faith in Jesus Christ is so sure that it really shouldn’t be hard for me to tell others about him. This walk with the Lord isn’t something I’m doing because I have nothing else better to do, but this thing is so real to me. You are probably asking yourself, how can he be so sure that Christ is real? Well I am sure because I have experienced him and his power (and trust me there is nothing like it)! Not only is being a better disciple important but training disciples is just as important. I can try and spread Gods Word by my self but how much easier is it if more of us join in this cause. Deuteronomy 32:30 says “one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight”. In order to train disciples we have to be willing to spend time and teach people this Gospel. Jesus spent more than three years making disciples—teaching and training His chosen twelve. Even though He spoke to the crowds, he often drew the disciples aside privately to teach them the meaning of His parables and miracles.

There are a few things you must do in order to be an effect disciple; First you must have faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 14:12 “I tell you the truth; anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” Second a disciple is one who knows how to read, study, and meditate upon the Word of God, to hide its truths in his heart. It is impossible to walk in the fullness of God's Holy Spirit without an understanding of God's Word. Third a disciple of Jesus should be a man or woman of prayer. The Lord Jesus Christ, who spent 40 days in prayer and fasting in the wilderness, is our great example of this. A prayer life is developed when you make your self pray even when you don’t feel like it. Last but certainly not least a disciple must receive the Holy Ghost. The reason this is so important is because the Holy Ghost gives you power and authority over the devil. Right before Jesus ascended into heaven he told the disciples in Luke 24:49 “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." It’s important to note that he said stay in the city until you have received this power. As a disciple you must learn to be patient and receive all that God has for you before moving out too quickly. So as this year is coming to a close I pray that you all would join me in this New Year’s resolution. Lets all become better disciples for the Lord Jesus Christ.

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“Pharaoh at the Nile”

Let me warn you that today’s blog can be considered a little controversial. I respect anyone’s belief on this topic but I would like to point out a few things biblically concerning abortion. I recently had to write a paper on abortion for a class I'm currently taking. Abortion is such a touchy subject for so many unbelievers and even believers. It’s important to know that as believers we can not be confused with our position on abortion. The definition of abortion is “The termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus”. This definition clearly states that it’s the DEATH of an embryo or fetus. The commandments are clear on murder; one of the Ten Commandments God gave to Moses in Exodus 20:13 was “Thou shalt not kill”. Many studies show that life begins long before a baby is born. Let’s be real with ourselves, do we really think that God is pleased with us killing his creation? Jeremiah 1:5 says "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." No matter how bad the situation seems we serve a God that absolutely can not fail. Did you know that approximately 42 Million babies are aborted every year and 115,000 per day. These types of numbers scare me. God created man to rule over all other creation; by far we are the most intelligent creation made. In Genesis 1, the bible says we have dominion over ever living creature. Yet we are the only creation aborting our own offspring. You have never seen a lion abort a lion, or a dog abort a dog. Only a human will take a life before it begins. We are so smart yet so dumb. We have to see what is going on in the spirit. Abortion is equalized to Pharaoh at the Nile River killing all the babies in Exodus Chapter 1. In Exodus 1:22 Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: "Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live." This is deeper then a regular abortion, when you walk into an abortion clinic you are walking to the Nile River and throwing your baby overboard. Do you understand that there are some women that can not have a baby? No matter what the situation seems like if you are able to produce life, you should count it as a blessing. Even if your situation seems hopeless and seems as though you have no help, God will always be a provider. You have to be able to trust him past what it looks like. I pray that this blog gets you to understand that babies are a blessing from God, and we can not take what God has created and abort it. It’s important to understand that as Christian we must be Pro-life. Look at it this way what if Mary and Joseph we Pro- Choice?