Today is the day we remember Jesus’ birth. He came to set captive sinners free from the tyranny of death and sin.

As you celebrate today with friends and family, exchanging gifts, hugs, smiles, laughter, food, music, and more, please take time to pray for:

People around the world who sadly have no reprieve from their pain, such as:

- Pfc Bowe Bergdahl, held captive by the Taliban since June 30 (pictured)
- Christians who suffer loss and persecution in hostile lands like Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam, various parts of North Africa, China, and elsewhere
- Christians who are imprisoned around the world simply because of their unwavering commitment to Jesus
- Those who ache with physical hunger and starve in spiritual hunger
- Those who have lost loved ones this year, whether through accidents, crimes, or war

People who have offered up their lives for the spread of the Gospel, such as:

- Street evangelists who daily receive insults, jeers, and taunts as they preach Christ crucified
- Missionaries working in lands as translators, church planters, computer specialists, managers, mechanics, school teachers, etc.
- Itinerant preachers who still circuit travel to exhort, rebuke, teach, and challenge churches full of believers to greater commitment to and intimacy with Jesus Christ
- The few and rare godly pastors who hold fast to Biblical truth and sound doctrine

And, of course, people who continue, even today, to “suppress the truth in unrighteousness”; adamantly refusing to repent and believe.

I’m sure I’m missing many people, but you get the idea.
Of all the gifts we could give today, the gifts of your time and prayers for these people are priceless.

Merry Christmas,
Anthony

Posted: December 25th, 2009 under Announcements, Current Events, Persecuted Church, Prayer, State of the Church, The Church, World Events, World Missions.
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Posted: August 4th, 2009 under Learning & Growing, Prayer.
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PRINCIPLE #5 – THANK AND PRAISE THE LORD

Why?
a) He’s Worthy.  He’s WORTHY!!
b) As though what you are asking is already done.
- Psalm 66:20 – “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
- Matt 6:13b – “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
- Heb 10:19-23 (v22, with “a true heart”) – “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
- Heb 12:18,19,22-24 – “For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest…But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.”

CONCLUSION – WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

1. Don’t forget these Principles.
2. Inspect your prayer life:
a) What are you doing “well”?
b) What could you “improve”?
- i.e.: I get up early everyday (Good) but I can’t concentrate (Needs Improvement)
c) Where do you need to repent?

When God is calling you to repent, remember:
1) Remember God’s nature, His various attributes
2) In solitude and sincerity pour out your heart before Him and repent: admit your helplessness (we are all helpless, that’s why God gets the glory)
3) Commit to “Prepare ye the way of the Lord” EVERYDAY!

Posted: June 23rd, 2009 under Devotions, Prayer, Scripture.
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PRINCIPLE #4 – POUR OUT YOUR HEART

- Psalm 62:5-8 (emphasis on v8)
- What does He not already know?  You won’t surprise Him in your confession.  Don’t be like Adam and Eve and hide yourself in fig leaves or excuses.
- Get it ALL out!  The Holy Spirit will help you.
- Intercession for others also happens here as He reminds you of others to pray for.
- Pauses/breaks are OK as you grow your “prayer muscles”!  The Lord is patient.
- Pray intelligently, respectfully, reverently.  As to a King, yet to a friend.
- Do not be cavalier with the Lord of Glory!  You don’t have to pray in “King James” English, but have respect is the point.

Posted: June 23rd, 2009 under Devotions, Prayer, Scripture.
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PRINCIPLE #3 – MAKE SURE YOUR HEART IS CLEAN AND PREPARED

a) With the Lord – Mark 1:3b – “Prepare the way of the Lord” – like a Presidential Advance Team, or what they would do for ancient kings, prepare the way before the Lord–prepare your heart to fellowship with your Creator.  (deal with sin, get serious, etc.)
b) With your wife – 1 Peter 3:7 – Imagine going to spend time with your earthly father-in-law if you are mistreating or angry at his daughter!
c) With everyone else – Matt 5:23, 24

Posted: June 22nd, 2009 under Devotions, Prayer, Scripture.
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PRINCIPLE #2 – GET ALONE

Mark 1:32-36 again.
- They practically sent a search party for the Lord!
- For us, getting alone often means no family, phone, email, responsibilities, commitments, noise or other distractions.  Even a ticking clock in the room will sound like someone pounding on the door after a few minutes.  Remove distractions.
- This does not mean we must pray in silence.  It just means we must remove whatever would distract or interrupt time alone with God.
- Matt 6:6 – Go to your room, close the door, pray in secret — Jesus encouraged His disciples to seek out alone time with the Lord.

Posted: June 21st, 2009 under Devotions, Prayer, Scripture.
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