Monday, December 29, 2008

God-Consciousness

Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Lately I feel that I am barely scratching the surface of truly knowing God and what He wants in my life. Pretty sad when you consider I hit 50 this year and the majority of my earthly life is behind me. Sadder still would be if when I get to heaven, I said, “Sorry Lord, wasn’t quite sure what you wanted so I just made it up as I went along.” If I’m thinking of this with a true God-consciousness I know that I will spend an eternity with Him and I need to know more of His heart now.

As with anything that has been difficult for me to learn, I can’t just jump in any old place and struggle to figure out what is going on. I need to go back to the earliest place I DID understand, my lowest common denominator, so to speak and work my way up from there.

For me, that was Surrender. That place where I invited God to do an inventory of my life, the good, the bad and the ugly, and then lay it at His feet and said, “Here it is. It’s yours. Do with it what you will.”

His Will.

So tonight, coming back to that time of weeping over my sins is a place I need to revisit.

I need to ask God to break my heart with those things that break His heart. Penthos: a broken and contrite heart, godly sorrow, holy mourning. Ask Him for a contrite heart. Pray not only forgiveness of my sins but pray for forgiveness on behalf of the church, that body of believers that I’m a part of.

Pray that the glory of the Lord will fill the temple. Mine….theirs.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

I won’t be alone in my tears. I think of some that wept over sin, Job, Jeremiah, David, Paul, Christ….

I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. I want to have His heart. I want to be aware of that heartbeat every minute of every day. I want to have the boldness to ask Him for the deepest longings of my heart and know that they are His longings too. I want to trust that He can and will bring revival to a church that is longing to know His heart and is not satisfied with barely scratching the surface.



Just Let Me Say
Just let me say how much I love You
Let me speak of Your mercy and grace
Just let me live in the shadow of Your beauty
Let me see You face to face
And the earth will shake as Your Word goes forth
And the heavens can tremble and fall
But let me say how much I love You
O my Savior, my Lord and friend

Just let me hear Your finest whispers
As You gently call my name
And let me see Your power and Your glory
Let me feel Your Spirit's flame
Let me find You in the desert
Til this sand is holy ground
And I am found completely surrendered
To You, my Lord and friend

So let me say how much I love You
With all my heart I long for You
For I am caught in this passion of knowing
This endless love I've found in You
And the depth of grace, the forgiveness found
To be called a child of God
Just makes me say how much I love You
O my Savior, my Lord and friend
Just makes me say how much I love You
O my Savior, my Lord and friend

Monday, December 15, 2008

What Should We Pray For?

Everyday I see God answering the prayers of His people.

How can we comprehend that the one and only God of the universe is indwelling and listening to the prayers of those who love Him in in Morton, IL... and Chicago... and Pine Grove, CA...and Gambia...

We can't. But His answering makes us realize the awesome responsiblity in what we're to pray for. I am going to post an article I saved a while ago from one of my favorite authors. I believe you'll have to read this more than once.
Chris
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What Should We Pray For?
John Piper
Desiring God Ministries
One way to answer this question is to look at what the early church prayed for. Here is a list gathered from the New Testament. It can guide you in how you pray. I suggest that periodically you pray through this list just to test whether your prayers are leaving out anything the New Testament included. We don't have to pray all of these each time we pray. But over time it would be good if our prayers had the breadth and depth of the New Testament prayers.

They called on God to exalt his name in the world.

Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name (Matthew 6:9).

They called on God to extend his kingdom in the world.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10 ).

They called on God that the gospel would run and triumph.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed on and triumph, as it did among you (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

They called on God for the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13; cf. Ephesians 3:19).

They called on God to vindicate his people in their cause.

And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? (Luke 18:7).

They called on God to save unbelievers.

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved (Romans 10:1).

They called on God to direct the use of the sword.

"Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying through all prayer and supplication on every occasion . . ." (Ephesians 6:17-18)

They called on God for boldness in proclamation.

Pray at all times in the Spirit . . . and also for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6:18-19)

And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness (Acts 4:29).

They called on God for signs and wonders.

And now Lord . . . grant your servants to speak thy word with boldness . . . while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of thy holy servant Jesus (Acts 4:30).

Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit (James 5:17 -18).

They called on God for the healing of wounded comrades.

Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick man and the Lord will raise him up (James 5:14-15).

They called on God for the healing of unbelievers.

It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery; and Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him (Acts 28:8).

They called on God for the casting out of demons.

And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer" (Mark 9:29)

They called on God for miraculous deliverances.

So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church . . . When he realized [he had been freed], he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying (Acts 12:5,12).

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake (Acts 16:25-26).

They called on God for the raising of the dead.

But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up (Acts 9:40).

They called on God to supply his troops with necessities.

Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11).

They called on God for strategic wisdom.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him (James 1:5).

They called on God to establish leadership in the outposts.

And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they believed (Acts 14:23).

They called on God to send out reinforcements.

Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest (Matthew 9:38).

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13:2-3).

They called on God for the success of other missionaries.

I appeal to you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, (Romans 15:30-31).

They called on God for unity and harmony in the ranks.

I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me (John 17:20-21).

They called on God for the encouragement of togetherness.

[We are] praying earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:10).

They called on God for a mind of discernment.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more in with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ (Philippians 1:9-10).

They called on God for a knowledge of his will.

And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Colossians 1:9).

They called on God to know him better.

[We have not ceased to pray for you to be] increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10 ; cf. Ephesians 1:17 ).

They called on God for power to comprehend the love of Christ.

I bow my knees before the Father . . . that you may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge (Ephesians 3:14,18).

They called on God for a deeper sense of assured hope.

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers . . . that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:16,18).

They called on God for strength and endurance.

[We have not ceased to pray for you to be] strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy (Colossians 1:11 ; cf. Ephesians 3:16).

They called on God for deeper sense of his power within them.

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers . . . that you may know . . . what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe (Ephesians 1:16, 19).

They called on God that their faith not be destroyed.

I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren (Luke 22:32).

Watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man (Luke 21:36).

They called on God for greater faith.

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24 ; cf. Ephesians 3:17).

They called on God that they might not fall into temptation.

Lead us not into temptation (Matthew 6:13).

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41).

They called on God that he would complete their resolves.

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his call, and may fulfil every good resolve and work of faith by his power (2 Thessalonians 1:11).

They called on God that they would do good works.

[We have not ceased to pray for you that you] lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10).

They called on God or forgiveness for their sins.

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12).

They called on God for protection from the evil one.

Deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13).


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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

God is good.
All the time.

May our Thanksgiving prayers praise the Lord.
For His Love.
For His Faithfulness.
For His Blessings.

I'm so thanksful we have 6 people wanting to participate in our 24 hours of prayer each week! Thats 25%! We will begin this coming Tuesday, December 2nd. Please let Tammy Carroll at the church office or email me if God is leading you to pray. We have already seen God moving in people's hearts and cannot wait to see what else He has in store.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Ultimate Rest

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28

Have you ever received an invitation more appealing than that?

Can you imagine God's arms stretched wide open, ready to pull you into Himself and let rest your head on His chest.

For as long as you want.

For me, right now, today, I can think of nothing better.

Imagine fear and doubt and pain melting away.

Today God is inviting us into His rest.

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; From I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

When I pray, I talk too much. Too often there's the endless list of God bless... and God help.... and it would sure be nice if You'd.... and though God heard my wants, I didn't share me heart. You know, that one He gave me.

Too often I sound like I'm at a drive-thru window so I can hurry on my way.

He wants us to be still, to rest, to listen.

We don't even have to know what to pray.


But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:25-26

Sometimes my prayers feel like inaudible groans. That's okay too. I can rest in knowing that Jesus Christ, the great High Priest, can interpret every groan and know just what I need.

To rest. To be still and know that He is God.



In Christ Alone"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Are You Willing?




If you call Cornerstone home, your help is requested.

We are seeking prayer warriors who are willing to fall on their knees and seek God in behalf of Cornerstone. We believe that for at least one day each week we could have back to back prayers lifted to the Lord. This requires a one hour time committment each week. A certain day will be selected and you will be asked to choose a time slot. Each week prior to Prayer Day you'll receive needs of the church, leaders and congregation. Spend your hour on your knees. That's it. Talk to Him who loved you so much He gave His Son for you.

Square One

Have you ever felt as though you were living life in a maze? You walked in innocently enough, but very soon found yourself lost with no hope of getting out without some direction? At first, you thought, 'No problem, I can find my way out all by myself.' After a few hours, you pass others and start feeling better because they are in the same mixed up mess as you.

After a few more hours you are stopping everyone you meet and asking their opinion of the maze, what caused it all and their opinion of how you can all get out. Just as you think maybe, just maybe, that the end is in sight you realize you're at the same place you were yesterday.

It doesn't really matter how you got in or what others opinions are.

We have to come to the point that prayer is the only answer and the only thing that makes sense.

We need to realize just how much the Father loves us and is just waiting for us to run to Him so He can put His arms around us and surround us with His amazing grace.

Let's fall at His feet, tell Him how much we love Him and pour our hearts out to Him.

Nehemiah 1:11
O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”